Four Tribes Meet in Tucson to Address Key Issues

December 12, 2025

Miguel Sallard

Managing Editor

TUCSON, Ariz. (Dec. 6) Leaders from four Tribal Nations gathered Saturday at the Desert Diamond Casino to discuss serious concerns affecting Indigenous communities across Arizona.

The meeting included Gabriel Lopez, chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community; Regina Antone, lieutenant governor of the Gila River Indian Community; Martin Harvier, president of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community; and Verlon M. Jose, chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Key topics

Gaming and predictive markets:

Tribal leaders examined the future of casinos as online betting expands.

Congressional budget and appropriations activity:

Discussion centered on how federal decisions affect tribal sovereignty and funding.

Upcoming Legislation-Voting policy restrictions:

Leaders emphasized the need to increase voter participation, particularly among young people.

Border Matters:

Concerns were raised about the impact of U.S.–Mexico border policies on tribal members.

Gila River Indian Community: Banishment/Disenrollment:

The Ordinance is still under review, with final adoption dependent on council approval and member input.

Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva welcomed

Newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva attended the meeting, receiving congratulations from tribal leaders. Grijalva pledged to represent Tribal Nations in Congress and strengthen collaboration.

“We must work together to find solutions to the challenges our communities face,” Grijalva said.

Lt. Gov. Antone added: “We are here to support you, and we are thankful that you have advocated for us. Together we are stronger. Our 22 Tribal Nations in Arizona are powerful when we stand united.”

Martin Harvier highlighted the need to protect members from Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, citing a recent case in which a Tribal member was detained after agents failed to recognize tribal identification. Verlon M. Jose noted that Transportation Security Administration agents often do not recognize Tribal IDs at airports, despite their validity in federal offices.

Councilmember Joseph Manuel Jr. of Gila River said gaming remains strong: “Gaming will not disappear. It continues to grow, and our casinos will remain vital to our communities.”

Broader significance.

The meeting underscored the growing importance of tribal unity in Arizona, where 22 federally recognized nations continue to face challenges ranging from federal policy shifts to economic pressures. Leaders emphasized that while each community faces unique challenges, shared concerns such as border enforcement, voting access, and recognition of tribal identification documents demand a united response

The presence of Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva was seen as a symbolic bridge between tribal governments and federal representation, offering hope for more responsive legislation. Attendees agreed that continued collaboration, both among tribes and with allies in Congress, will be vital to protecting cultural heritage, expanding economic opportunities, and ensuring that tribal nations remain central to Arizona’s future.