Arizona Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations Celebrates State-Tribal Partnerships

January 30, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations

Phoenix, Ariz. — Today, the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations welcomed Tribal, state, business, and community leaders to the Capitol to strengthen state-Tribal partnerships, promote dialogue, and honor the rich cultural heritage of the 22 Tribal Nations in Arizona.

Over 1,000 people attended the 31st Annual Indian Nations & Tribes Legislative Day, which began with a resource fair on the Capitol lawn that showcased over 70 exhibitors. The Dishchii’bikoh Apache crown dancers and Xuumar Akuuts, Quechan youth dancers shared cultural songs ahead of the joint protocol session hosted by the Arizona House of Representatives. The session opened with a traditional blessing from Robert Stone (Gila River Indian Community) and presentation of colors by the Tohono O’odham Women Veterans. The Fort Mojave Tribal Band performed the National Anthem, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Miss Indian Arizona Sialik King (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community).

Highlights from the session included opening remarks from Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen. Chairman Timothy Williams of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and Chairman Verlon Jose of the Tohono O’odham Nation delivered keynote addresses that focused on the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships between the state and Tribes. The session concluded with a poetry reading by the newly appointed state poet laureate, Dr. Laura Tohe (Diné).

Following the session, attendees gathered on the Capitol lawn for a community luncheon with entertainment by Gertie and the T.O. Boyz waila band from the Tohono O’odham Nation. In the afternoon, a coalition of Tribal youth councils hosted a workshop for Native youth about civic engagement.

“Congratulations to the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations on 31 years of outstanding collaboration with Arizona’s Tribal Nations,” said Tonya Hamilton, the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) Director and Tribal Liaison. “We are proud to sponsor this annual gathering that creates space to come together, listen, and recognize the strength, leadership, and lived experiences of American Indian communities. These contributions continue to shape our shared future and strengthen the well-being of communities across not only the Grand Canyon State, but across the nation.”

“On behalf of all of us at Desert Diamond Casino — an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation — we are proud to support this unique event once again,” said Treena Parvello, Director of Government and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. “It is an opportunity for tribal leaders and Arizona officials to work together to improve the quality of life in our state and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.”