PHOENIX – Arizona Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day drew tribal members to the State Capitol on January 14, 2026, to pay tribute to the history, culture and contributions of the American Indian people to the state of Arizona. The Navajo Division for Children and Family (NDCFS) attended the event to engage with state and tribal leaders on issues of mutual interest. This is the 31st year the state of Arizona has recognized and celebrated this important day.
Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed tribal leaders and members to the State Capitol during a joint-protocol session held in the House of Representatives.
Arizona tribal leaders joined state legislators on the House floor during the session. Robert Stone of the Gila River Indian Community gave the opening prayer and the Tohono O’odham Women Veterans presented colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Miss Indian Arizona Sialik King of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Fort Mojave Tribal Chairman Timothy Williams and Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose delivered powerful remarks highlighting water rights issues, the responsibilities of stewardship and sustainability, and preservation of land and culture for generations to come. Both Chairmen emphasized the importance of partnerships and unity, noting that the challenges faced by tribes have far-reaching global implications.
Dr. Laura Tohe, Diné, recited several poems that reflected her heritage as a Native American and Diné woman. Dr. Tohe was appointed to a two-year term as the Poet Laureate for the State of Arizona on January 14, 2026, by Governor Katie Hobbs. She also previously served as the Navajo Nation’s Poet Laureate from 2015 to 2019.
“The call from tribal leaders to unite together to secure our language, culture, water rights and our future was delivered loud and clear,” said Thomas Cody, Executive Director of NDCFS. “The meeting with state representatives and other organizations is beneficial for the work that NDCFS does.”
A community resource fair was also held on the Senate lawn where various resources provided information to the public.
The event is hosted annually on Wednesday of the first week of each regular legislative session by the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations (GOTR). GOTR was established to enhance government-to-government relations and ensure equitable access to state services for the 22 American Indian tribes and nations in Arizona.
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