During the annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, several Arizona youth councils participated in a breakout session to discuss how ideas can turn into laws. 

The kids are indeed alright. 

During the afternoon of the annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day on Jan. 14, youth councils from Indian Country had their own legislative breakout session out on the Capitol Lawn in Phoenix. 

Many youth councils attended the afternoon session, including the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Young River People’s Council, the Tohono O’odham Youth Council, the Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council from Gila River, as well as the Phoenix Indian Center Youth Council. 

The breakout session featured appearances by Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. 

The members of each youth council introduced themselves in their traditional language and invited the guests in attendance to come out and visit their respective communities throughout the year. 

Young River People’s Council President Jizelle Juan, Vice-President Cruz Lasiloo, Clerical Secretary Tizoc Lopez, Treasurer Amelia Lasiloo, Corresponding Secretary Myson Galindo and member Ella McGilbary attended and presented at the breakout session. 

“YRPC members led an interactive icebreaker titled “Law or No Law,” giving participants the opportunity to vote true or false on a series of statements to spark discussion about laws and government,” said YRPC Supervisor, Janyse Salinas. 

She added, “During the presentation, each Youth Council shared examples of how they remain civically engaged and involved in their communities. For the Young River People’s Council (YRPC), members highlighted their ongoing work in cultural preservation, youth advocacy, and leadership development. This includes participation in committee meetings, organizing and facilitating youth-led workshops, and collaborating with tribal departments on community initiatives.”

Salinas also stated that the YRPC shared a notable example from a previous cohort, which successfully helped create and pass a “No Texting While Driving” ordinance within the Community. 

“Overall, the discussion emphasized how Youth Councils serve as a bridge between youth and leadership by creating opportunities for civic learning, service, and meaningful community engagement,” finished Salinas. 

The youth spent the afternoon discussing ways to improve their communities. The session kicked off with an icebreaker segment in which each council asked true-or-false questions about Arizona laws—for example, “Is it legal to drive without shoes on?” The answer is no; Arizona does have a state law which makes driving barefoot illegal. 

Collectively, the youth council members generally discussed among each other whether a law should be implemented to ensure drivers are safe out on Arizona roads. 

When you look at it one way, the afternoon breakout session featuring youth councils continued to prove that the kids are not only alright, they’re also committed to improving the safety, security and overall well-being of their people and communities.