Lt. Gov. speaks during Arizona Gov. Hobbs’ ‘First 100 Days in Office’ address

April 21, 2023

Emma Hughes, 

Community Newsperson

Gila River Indian Community Lt. Gov. Monica Antone was featured as a guest speaker during a press conference at the State Capitol for Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ “First 100 Days in Office” address.

“It is a true honor to be here today to celebrate Gov. Hobbs’ first 100 days in office,” said Lt. Gov. Antone, who commended Hobbs on her continued efforts to work with tribes throughout the state.

Lt. Gov. Antone added, “As a tribal leader I have had the honor of watching the fast pace of Gov. Hobbs in her first 100 days in office, I have truly witnessed the governor of our great state elevating tribal relations.”

Tribal leaders and representatives present for the press conference included: Arizona Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, Navajo Nation’s first lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Vice President Ricardo Leonard.

“The folks standing behind me represent organizations and individuals who have played an active role in my first 100 days and who benefited from the actions that we’ve taken so early in my term,” said Hobbs, “looking back at these first 100 days, we’ve already taken action on so many urgent issues including reproduction rights, water, corrections reform, and infrastructure just to name a few.” 

Hobbs thanked Lt. Gov Antone, “My office’s partnership with Gila River and Arizona’s 22 tribes has been a highlight of my first 100 days.”

Within that time Hobbs has been actively working and meeting with tribes, including GRIC. In Jan., Hobbs attended the ‘Road to Healing’ listening session held by Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland at the Gila Crossing Community School. It was noted as the first governor to participate in a listening session of that kind.  

“She promised to bring trust and accountability and she proved this as she made an effort to listen to the trauma and abuse stories at boarding schools,” said Lt. Gov. Antone, “Gov. Hobbs has recognized and made deep strides to develop teams to help our communities.” 

Hobbs stated “From the executive order I signed, to establish a task force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, to the announcement last week of billions of new dollars to expand access to clean water for Tribal communities in Arizona, we will continue to work alongside our Tribal leaders to make sure that Indigenous communities thrive.”

Hobbs has also put focus on housing and human services, health and reproductive rights, affordable and thriving economy, education, public safety, border security, and corrections reform.