Timothy James Finds His Voice at TOCC

September 26, 2025

Submitted By:

Joseph Morales

Timothy James, a student at Tohono O’odham Community College and member of the Gila River Indian Community, shares his vision for tribal health and education during a roundtable with congressional candidate Adelita Grijalva in Sells, AZ.

SELLS, AZ — On Sept 2, Timothy James, a member of the Gila River Indian Community and student at Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC), joined a roundtable discussion with Adelita Grijalva, Democratic candidate for Arizona’s Seventh Congressional District. The event, held on TOCC’s main campus, offered students a rare opportunity to speak directly with a congressional candidate on issues that impact their lives and communities.

For James, education has always been more than textbooks and classrooms. It’s been about finding community, building confidence, and discovering the power of his voice.

James reflected on the path that led him to this moment. The COVID-19 pandemic and challenges with substance use in his environment disrupted his early academic plans. Hoping to pursue social work and improve tribal health, he applied to Arizona State University but was not accepted. That detour led him to TOCC, where tuition waivers and a welcoming staff gave him a new opportunity. “Both the staff and the school were very friendly and culturally centered,” James explained. “It’s very similar to our core values, which prepare us to help our communities.”

TOCC’s supportive environment not only helped him move forward academically but also shaped his role as a leader. As a resident assistant, James guides and supports fellow students, many of whom share the same cultural background. “There are so many Indigenous relatives here, which is unique to building a strong community,” he noted.

During the roundtable, James voiced concerns about improving health care and protecting Native voters. He stressed that future policy should honor Indigenous traditions alongside modern solutions. “We need to improve traditional healing in health care,” he said. “There is real value in blending cultural knowledge with professional practices.”

Being selected to participate in the discussion was both humbling and empowering. “It gives me confidence in my career and educational goals to be Native American in different spaces,” James reflected.

Grijalva, who currently serves on the Pima County Board of Supervisors and previously on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, emphasized her commitment to listening to students. Her visit to TOCC was part of a broader effort to hear directly from tribal voices and better understand the needs of Native communities in Arizona’s Seventh District.

Looking ahead, James believes experiences like these are especially important for the younger generation. “The youth need to understand they have power and use their voice,” he said.

What began as a detour in his education has become a defining journey—one rooted in culture, community, and the courage to speak up.