3 Takeaways:

• The annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day celebrated its 31st year.
• Miss Indian Arizona Sialik King led the Pledge of Allegiance during the joint protocol session. 
• Fort Mojave Indian Tribe Chairman Timothy Williams and Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose were this year’s speakers.

Arizona’s 2026 legislative session kicked off on Jan. 12. Two days later, tribal leaders, supervisors and more traveled to the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix for the 31st annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day. 

Each year, this event provides an opportunity for tribal officials and state representatives to network and discuss different ways they can work together to help improve the lives of Arizonans. Another goal of the event is to commemorate and honor the cultures and histories of the 22 Indigenous tribes that help create the state we call home. 

The high stakes of the upcoming November election seemed to be on the minds of many, as this was the topic of several discussions between tribal officials and members of the Arizona House of Representatives. 

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier attended the event. He was joined by SRPMIC Council members David Antone, Deanna Scabby, Mikah Carlos and Michael Dallas Sr., as well as Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs staff members Gary Bohnee, Heaven Sepulveda and Heather Washington. Community elders from the SRPMIC also attended. 

The Joint Protocol Session

Floor privileges were provided to tribal officials and special guests as the joint protocol session was held in the House Chamber.

Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro greeted officials and guests. The building was at maximum capacity, which resulted in many being escorted to watch the joint protocol session in one of the several viewing rooms, which were located on the second floor. 

Robert Stone, a Gila River Indian Community elder, provided the opening blessing. The Tohono O’odham Women Veterans presented the colors. 

Miss Indian Arizona Sialik King, who is from the SRPMIC, was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. She was joined by Miss Indian Arizona 1st Attendant Chloe Eskey (Navajo Nation), and the two spent time with fellow royalty from across Arizona’s Indian Country. Later, the duo would help pack the dance floor as Gertie and the T.O. Boyz played an afternoon concert out on the Capitol Lawn. 

Fort Mojave Tribe Chairman Timothy Williams provided the first of two tribal nations addresses. The second address was provided by Verlon Jose, chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation. 

“It is my honor to speak to you today on behalf of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, and with my fellow tribal leaders, who represent the 22 tribes in Arizona,” began Williams. “Tribes in the state must ensure that the quality of life for both tribal and non-tribal citizens remains sustainable for generations to come.”

He continued, “Just like our ancestors before us, we had to stand strong to protect our tribal sovereignty. While we have endured many hardships and challenges [to] our lands, water rights and our status as sovereign nation, we know that it is through political forums like this that we can continue the effort to work together for the advancement of the entire state of Arizona.”

Following his remarks, Jose recited his prepared speech during his time at the lectern. 

“Working together is what will move us down the road. It’s okay to have differences. This place right here that we’re at is a sacred place. It’s a sacred place because, just like the other [building], decisions are made here. Not just for Arizonans, but for other parts of the country.”

During his speech, Jose continually thanked Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs for the collaboration she has implemented for the benefit of Arizona tribes. Jose mentioned Hobbs’ visits with tribal communities in Arizona during her tenure. 

Jose added, “Believe it or not, we still have rural communities that might not have running water or electricity, but that’s our home. It might be substandard for you, but that’s our home. We will survive. No matter what comes our way, we have been able to survive; tribal communities aren’t going anywhere.

“When we build bridges, not walls, there is nothing we can’t accomplish together,” Jose said. 

Voters will get to decide who will run the state of Arizona starting with the 2026 primary election on Aug. 4. 

Interested Community members can reach out to the SRPMIC Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs at (480) 362-7249 to verify their voter status, update addresses and get answers to questions regarding what will be on Arizona’s 2026 ballot.