Three tribal leaders addressed a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives to discuss a variety of issues important to the community. Leaders included San Carlos Apache President Terry Rambler, Yavapai Apache President Tanya Lewis, and Hopi President Timothy Nuvanyaoma.

“We value continued collaboration with tribal communities to develop viable solutions,” Petersen said.

Standing on the rostrum of the Senate Chamber, Rambler addressed a packed room and gave impassioned speeches on tribal nations, the importance of water, and issues state legislators must care about.

“Tribes contribute billions of dollars to the state’s economy,” he said.

Towns and counties in Arizona depend on tribes, Rambler said. This is because tribal citizens depend on goods and services from small businesses and businesses located near tribal lands.

“Our economic and social impact is significant, but our contribution, our partnerships with citizens across Arizona, remains underestimated,” he added.

Tribal land occupies one-third of the state, and tribes control one-third of Arizona’s surface water, Rambler said. Although the tribe is also the third largest employer in Arizona, indigenous people make up only about 5% of the state’s population.

“We want you to understand us as much as we want you to value our partnership,” he said.

Rambler said he appreciated having Tribal Liaison Offices in the state and having days like Tribal National Legislation Day. Still, he believes it’s time for the state to step up its support for indigenous communities.

“It’s time for Arizona to establish and fund a strong Cabinet-level Indian Affairs Bureau,” he said, cheering attendees. We need to work more closely as partners on the issue.”

One of the most important issues Rambler highlighted in his speech was water. He talked about how Arizona is suffering from severe drought and its impact on the surface and groundwater.

“Our future depends on the decisions we make now about our most precious resource,” he said, sharing how he stood in the same position 10 years ago and warned lawmakers about the drought. I have no choice but to pay attention today.”

In addition to protecting surface water levels, Rambler said it’s time for Arizona to evaluate its groundwater laws and establish stricter regulations to protect it.

“Parliament must embrace fundamental philosophies that promote water conservation and sustainability,” he said. “Arizona must live within its means.”

In his speech, Petersen acknowledged the escalating water crisis facing the state.

“We all know Arizona is experiencing a severe water shortage, which is exacerbating the state’s devastating wildfires,” he said. Lawmakers will work to “ensure our state has an adequate and sustainable water supply for future generations,” he added.

Rambler also sent invitations to senators and representatives in attendance to learn more about Arizona’s tribes and visit tribal lands, even if they are not within the district they represent. I got

“Give us a chance to tell our story,” he said. “Come and learn about the unique history of our culture, land and economy.”

He concluded his speech by reminding voters that while tribes may be only a small part of the electorate, they have come to understand the importance of tribes to Arizona and its economy.

“Tribal communities decide elections,” Rambler said. “We are good neighbors. We are partners committed to positive growth, and we have much to offer. Together, we can ensure a strong and sustainable future for Arizona.” increase.”

In their speeches, Rambler and Lewis told attendees how their people got to tribal lands today.

Rambler introduced himself in Apache at the beginning of his speech, telling everyone in attendance that his family and ancestors were from the Oak Flats area, about five miles east of Superior.

According to Rambler, miners discovered a wealth of minerals in the area in the 1850s. This discovery sparked a war between the people of San Carlos Apache and the US Calvary-backed miners.

“They overwhelmed my ancestors with their rifles and herded them like cattle with guns pointed at old San Carlos, also known as the 40 Acres of Hell,” he said. “I am a descendant of captives, a proud Apache warrior.”

Lewis shares a similar story, noting that the Yavapai-Apache people are actually two different tribes, the Yavapai and the Apache. He said he was captured like a cattle by the government and forced to march to San Carlos, more than 200 miles from his traditional homeland near present-day Camp Verde.

“We were held prisoners of war from 1875 until the 1900s,” Lewis said. In the 1900s, she added, her people were allowed to return to her valley in Verde.

“Ever since we got home, we’ve had to fight and buy land,” she said.

Lewis noted that Indian Nations and Tribes Legislation Day is a way for Arizona’s indigenous communities to come together and celebrate, but it’s also an opportunity to recognize the tribal nation’s contributions to the state.

“While we celebrate today, we have to acknowledge our shared history with Arizona,” Lewis said. That includes state and federal control of the tribes, as well as violence, broken promises and starvation, she added.

Pima County Recorder Gabriela Cazares-Kelly, who is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said she has attended many of the annual legislative meetings.

“I was very impressed with what he said. I wish more people could hear him.

It’s important to talk about the Ramblers being descended from prisoners of war, said Casares-Kelly.

“It was really powerful. I was really happy and proud to hear him say that,” she added.

Cázares-Kelly said the whole event felt different this year. As she walked to the State Capitol, she said she saw communities reunited after having been separated for so long because of COVID-19.

“It was really powerful,” she said.

Still, there were some disappointments. The Arizona Senate hosted the event, so she expected to see senators interact with voters in the crowd. .

“The majority party is missing,” she said. “I was very disappointed, especially since this agency is making legislation that affects our tribal communities.”

Cázares-Kelly pointed out that it takes a lot of time for tribes, especially those in rural areas, to visit the Capitol, and it’s a shame that so many Republicans don’t bother showing up.

Relationship building is an important part of Indigenous communities, says Cázares-Kelly.

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