Gov. Lewis speaks at University of Arizona’s Native Nations Institute

Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News

The Indigenous Governance Program (IGP), a partnership between University of Arizona’s Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program and the University of Arizona Native Nations Institute (NNI), provides professional development, leadership training, and graduate education for individuals interested in a deep, practical understanding of indigenous governance and rights. IGP’s nation building and Indigenous governance curriculum combines the expertise of world-renowned faculty with data-informed research on what works for Native Nation (re)building efforts. 

Through a series of lunches, lectures and receptions, “January in Tucson” (JIT) is a cornerstone of IGP’s programming, bringing together leading faculty and an international cohort of Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and advocates. “We like to show our participants and students what tribal leadership means,” said Tory Fodder, who manages the Indigenous Governance Program at the University of Arizona. 

For three weeks each year, the JIT intensive education session brings together distinguished faculty in the field of Indigenous governance and Indigenous rights. “Students from all over the world are welcome to Tucson to learn and engage in their curriculum in law and Indigenous governance,” said Fodder, giving them the opportunity to teach and hold discussions with Indigenous leaders, practitioners, and community members, as well as other individuals interested in Indigenous affairs.

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis was invited to speak for their Distinguished Tribal Leader Lecture, at the James E. Rogers College of Law in Tucson, on Tuesday, Jan. 14. “We like to show our participants and students what tribal leadership means,” said Fodder. 

Gov. Lewis discussed his background and presented some of the Community’s accomplishments during his administration. Highlighting the newly constructed Gila Crossing Community School, the Managed Aquifer Recharge site and the continued fight and protection of the Community’s Water Rights, while emphasizing the past work and accomplishments of his father, the late Rodney B. Lewis and other tribal leaders. “It’s hard to learn more practical lessons about governance and how to gauge community and accomplish objectives; the Governor’s a great example of that,” said Fodder.