Indigenous Affairs

Tribal leaders advocate for historic water rights settlement in DC

Navajo and Hopi leaders urged Congress to pass a bill addressing their water crisis, proposing a $1.75 billion pipeline to bring Colorado River water to their communities.

Member of an Arizona tribe is accused of starting a wildfire that destroyed 21 homes on reservation

The wildfire forced the evacuation of more than 400 people.

Shadow Wolves may see better career mobility under new bill

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema introduced new legislation that would both improve border security and the retention of Shadow Wolves agents.

USDA Under Secretary visits Tucson to assist Tribal agribusinesses promote their products

The visit highlighted the need for increased utilization of USDA programs by tribal businesses and showcased successful initiatives such as a recent trade mission to Canada.

Arizona congressional delegation introduces $5 billion tribal water rights legislation

The legislation would ratify a settlement agreement that was approved by each of the tribes in May.

Activists submit 17,000 signatures urging closure of uranium mine near Grand Canyon

Groups like the Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity along with Tribal members say the mine risks drinking water.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe welcomes new council members

The tribe celebrated the newly elected officials during an inauguration Saturday evening.

Dozens of hikers became ill during trips to waterfalls near the Grand Canyon

The waterfalls are on the Havasupai Tribe's reservation, which is accessible only by foot, helicopter or by riding a horse or mule.

Judge dismisses Native American challenge to $10B SunZia energy transmission project in Arizona

Judge Jennifer Zipps said in her ruling issued Thursday that the plaintiffs were years too late in bringing their challenge.

U.S. Supreme Court sides with Native American tribes in health care funding dispute with government

Facilities are often inadequate and understaffed, the San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona said in court documents.

Arizona tribe temporarily bans dances after police officer is fatally shot responding to disturbance

The Phoenix FBI is investigating the fatal shooting, but it has not released many details.

Native American tribes give unanimous approval to proposal securing Colorado River water

The Navajo Nation Council has signed off on a proposed settlement.

Family of Tohono O'odham man killed by Border Patrol last year files wrongful death suit

Raymond Mattia was killed in the Tohono O’odham community of Menagers Dam the night of May 18, 2023.

Proposed settlement is first step in securing Colorado River water for 3 Native American tribes

The Navajo Nation has one of the largest single outstanding claims in the Colorado River basin and will vote soon on the measure in a special session.

District of Arizona works to improve handling of MMIP cases

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is fortifying how they handle cases involving missing or murdered Indigenous peoples.

Native tribes file to dismiss lawsuit threatening Grand Canyon National Monument

Conservations groups joined the tribes in filing to intervene in the case.

‘Combating this epidemic’: Native Americans gather to address suicide prevention

In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Native Americans and Alaska Natives between the ages of 10 and 34.

Ancient farmers dug canals that shaped Phoenix's modern water system

Those ancient farmers have been referred to as the "Hohokam" but it’s not the name of a tribe or a people, and their O'Odham, Hopi, and Zuni descendants do not call them that.

US court rejects a request by tribes to block $10B SunZia energy transmission project in Arizona

The project — approved in 2015 following a lengthy review — has been touted as the biggest U.S. electricity infrastructure undertaking since the Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s.

Uranium is being mined near the Grand Canyon as prices soar and the US pushes for more nuclear power

The largest uranium producer in the United States is ramping up work at a mine less than 10 miles from the rim of the Grand Canyon.

AZ House Committee rejects sober living homes regulation bill despite Senate support

The bill passed the Arizona Senate unanimously.

Arizona legislation to better regulate rehab programs targeted by Medicaid scams is moving forward

Hathalie said she anticipates a vote by the full House could come as soon as Thursday.

SunZia Transmission Project sparks legal dispute over sacred sites preservation

The Tohono O’odham Nation and San Carlos Apache Tribe seek to halt construction, citing threats to cultural heritage.

I’m taking this way too seriously as an adult: The growth of mountain biking in Arizona

In two very different stories about one of America's fastest-growing sports, we head to a 24-hour mountain bike relay race. Then we talk to some of the people behind a documentary about spreading mountain biking on the Navajo Nation.

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.

We Are the Water Missing Home

Indigenous communities fight against border wall construction near a sacred Sonoran Desert spring. (10:06)

The Bahidaj Harvest

For thousands of years the Tohono O’odham have lived in the Sonoran Desert and for much of that time harvested the Bahidaj, the fruit of the Saguaro.