Indigenous Affairs

Blending science and spirit: Navajo PhD student studies black bears with cultural reverence

University of Arizona PhD student Deandra Jones researches black bears in the Navajo Nation, combining traditional knowledge and science to guide respectful coexistence.

Trump's coal executive order draws mixed reactions from Navajo Nation leaders

President Donald Trump’s coal order splits Navajo leaders—some see jobs and revenue, others warn of health risks and clinging to a fading industry.

Through the 4-day Sunrise Dance, Apache girls transition into womanhood

A significant and highly spiritual event for the young lady and the Apache community.

San Carlos Apache Tribe demands state action after teen’s murder, Call for group home reform

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is calling for group home reforms, and pushes for a tribal alert system to protect missing children.

The Buzz revisits the legacy and impact of Land Grant Institutions

A look at how an 1862 act impacted Native lands and eventually led to UA's fossil fuel use despite climate pledges.

Federal government to close Bureau of Indian Affairs' Western Regional Office, alarming tribes

General Services Administration plans to close the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Western Region Regional Office in Phoenix, raising tribal concerns over service disruptions for 53 tribes, including 20 in Arizona.

Native communities in Arizona to receive $500,000 grant to combat opioid misuse

Grant will support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in tribal and urban Indian communities.

"Photographing with respect": How Tim H. Murphy creates unforgettable portraits of Indigenous dancers

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Stories that Soar!" asks that we look for beauty beyond the screen; and an essay series "The Class of 2024" begins.

Federal court dismisses lawsuit challenging Grand Canyon National Monument

Court dismisses lawsuit from state legislative republicans challenging former president Joe Biden's Grand Canyon National Monument designation, ruling lawmakers lacked standing.

Navajo Nation President responds after concern tribal members could be detained by ICE

They fear racial profiling and a lack of adequate IDs could lead to confusion during possible raids.

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego presses DHS nominee Kristi Noem on border funding, tribal sovereignty, and deportations

Noem addresses immigration policies, tribal collaboration and deportation priorities in confirmation hearing.

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly seeks commitment from EPA nominee to address legacy mines and PFAS issues in Arizona

Lee Zeldin agrees to support Kelly’s initiatives.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe breaks ground on culturally significant land for third casino

The new casino is expected to create upwards of 500 new jobs.

Arizona tribes receive nearly $750k for climate adaptation plans

The funding comes from the Bureau of Indian Affairs' annual tribal community resilience awards program.

A New Legacy: Tucson considers renaming Columbus Park to honor Tohono O’odham educator

Danny Lopez spent over 30 years teaching the Tohono O'odham Nation's traditional way of life to its people and surrounding community.

The Buzz: Catching up with Arizona AG Kris Mayes

Mayes talks about what happened in 2024 and what may come in 2025.

Ruben Gallego becomes first Latino U.S. Senator from Arizona

Gallego will serve on the Banking, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and the Energy and Natural Resources committees.

Tohono O’odham Nation gains co-stewardship over sacred lands

The Tohono O’odham Nation and the Bureau of Land Management agree to co-steward the Baboquivari National Wilderness.

Apache County appoints Navajo Nation First Lady to be top prosecutor

Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren takes the position after her predecessor resigned amid investigation.

Navajo President cleared of harassment allegations; AG fired amid new probe

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren is cleared of harassment allegations, Attorney General Ethel Branch is fired, and a new probe is launched.

Cholla High School students experience Native art through virtual reality

Students, through the use of virtual reality sets, listened to three different stories from Navajo artists.

Hobbs signs largest tribal water rights agreement in US history

The settlement is contingent on Congressional approval.

Tucson weighs renaming Christopher Columbus Park amid push to honor Tohono O’odham leader

The public comment period closes on November 25th.

Biden visits Indian Country and apologizes for the 'sin' of a 150-year boarding school policy

It was a moment of both contrition and frustration as the president sought to recognize one of the “most horrific chapters” in the national story.

Poetry in Parks – U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón Visits Tucson

In December of 2024 the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón visited Tucson, Arizona to dedicate a picnic table as part of her Poetry in Parks initiative.

Making Arizona: Tohono O’odham Water

The video presents a short history of land and water on the San Xavier District on the Tohono O’odham nation, highlighting the importance of the collective action taken by tribal members to return farming to the district.

Artist Maria Arvayo

Pascua Yaqui artist draws inspiration from the Sonoran Desert landscape.

Navajo Weavers

Sisters Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete are 5th-generation master Navajo weavers

Museum of Northern Arizona

Founded in 1928, the Museum of Northern Arizona protects and preserves the natural and cultural heritage of northern Arizona through research, collections, conservation, and education.

Navajo Silversmiths

Navajo Silversmith Alex Beeshligaii seeks to preserve his artform by passing Diné traditions and language on to his children.

Note of Life: Gertie and the T.O. Boyz

As the only female band leader on the Tohono O'odham reservation, Gertie Lopez is a is a celebrated musician who has been a force in Tucson’s music community for decades.

An Endangered Language

With the majority of Indigenous tribal languages in the United States in critical danger of dying out, what does it take to keep them from becoming extinct.