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Arizona’s MMIP study committee is returning to work, with an expanded focus
Arizona’s legislative study committee on murdered or missing Indigenous women and girls is returning to work next month, with an expanded mission to investigate violence against all Indigenous people, including men, boys, two-spirits and LGBTQ. Committee Chair and state Rep. Jennifer Jermaine said they’re looking forward to restarting the study committee and expanding their scope […]
Tribal leaders applaud Inflation Reduction Act investments
Tribal Nations have been on the front line against the climate crisis for generations, and now they’ll have some support in their fight through Inflation Reduction Act funding. President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law this month, which authorizes more than $700 billion in funding and addresses policies related to climate change, […]
Native voters worried they won’t have a say in the midterm election
This story is part of a project called Democracy Day, in which newsrooms across the country are shining a light on threats to democracy. Arizona’s newly drawn congressional and legislative maps are officially in use this election cycle and are still a cause of concern for advocates because they could dilute the voting power of Indigenous […]
A derogatory word has been removed from the names of places on federal lands, including 66 sites in AZ
Nearly all federal geographic features using the derogatory word sq*** have formally been renamed, after the U.S. Department of the Interior on Thursday released new names for 643 locations across the United States, including 66 in Arizona. The name change is the final step in the historic effort launched nearly a year ago by Interior […]
Arizona tribes will get $106 million to boost broadband access
Indigenous people living on tribal lands have less access to high-speed internet than the general U.S population. But in an effort to change that, the U.S. Department of Commerce is giving $106 million to five Arizona tribes to boost broadband installation and access. The grants are being used to fund high-speed internet infrastructure deployment projects […]
University of Arizona gets funding to support and develop Native entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs from Arizona’s tribal nations can develop their small businesses with help from the University of Arizona through a new program aimed at providing support for developing tribal economies. The program, dubbed Native FORGE, will provide and facilitate high-quality entrepreneurship development and support services to underserved communities in Tucson and the 22 federally recognized Tribes […]
AZ teachers can apply for $600 grants for classroom projects
As the new school year kicks off, the Arizona Department of Education announced a funding opportunity for public school teachers to get classroom resources. Starting Monday, teachers can submit project proposals to a nonprofit crowdfunding platform called DonorsChoose for an opportunity to get up to $600 to be used on classroom resources that support their […]
Tribal gaming contributions hit record levels in 2022
The Arizona Department of Gaming reported in July that the total contributions coming from Tribal gaming in Arizona amounted to more than $123.6 million for the fiscal year that ended in June, making it the largest contribution to date. “This is an exciting milestone and one we cherish and celebrate as we continue to protect […]
Federal grants for improving broadband in Indigenous communities now accepting applications
Tribal nations can now apply for the 2022 National Tribal Broadband Grant Program to help them develop or extend broadband services within their communities. “Reliable, high-speed internet access in Tribal communities enables many opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship, and social connection,” Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said in a press release. “These elements […]
Arizona celebrated its first Navajo Code Talker Day on Sunday
Navajo Code Talker Thomas H. Begay stood at the podium dressed in his gold button-up shirt adorned with his service medals and a custom bolo tie made out of his congressional silver medal that is surrounded by turquoise. He wore his red U.S. Marine Corps hat that has Navajo Code Talker embroidered in gold thread […]
Navajo Code Talkers Day Celebration set at the State Capitol for Aug. 14
One of the last living Navajo Code Talkers will be speaking in honor of Navajo Code Talkers Day on Aug. 14, marking the 80th anniversary of the Navajo Code Talkers. Navajo Code Talker Thomas H. Begay, 98, is coming to Phoenix with his family from Albuquerque, N.M., to share his experience serving in the U.S. […]
‘It’s starting our healing process’: Navajo family of murdered woman seeks justice
Wearing all black, a picture of Jamie Lynette Yazzie on her shirt the only color in her outfit, Marilene James, stepped up to the podium inside a packed federal courtroom in Flagstaff to give a victim statement on behalf of her niece’s family. “Tre James didn’t give my daughter a chance to enjoy life with […]