Gov. Lewis Highlights State-Tribal Collaboration at 30th Annual Legislative Day

PHOENIX – Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community gave a keynote speech to hundreds of tribal members and Arizona legislators on Jan. 15 at the Arizona Capitol during the 30th Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day. The event, themed “Embracing Our Past, Celebrating Our Future,” marked three decades of collaboration between Arizona’s tribal nations and state government.

In his remarks to a joint session of the Legislature, Gov. Lewis highlighted the importance of state-tribal partnerships and their role in addressing critical issues. 

“Every tribe here has examples of how we have worked together with the state to craft solutions that serve all the people of Arizona,” Lewis said. He pointed to the 2021 tribal gaming compact as a prime example of successful collaboration, describing it as “a common approach to limited, exclusive tribal gaming that benefits the entire state.”

Lewis also underscored the significance of infrastructure improvements achieved through partnerships, including the widening of Interstate 10 through the Gila River Indian Community. “This critical project got off the ground because of close partnerships with state and federal officials,” he said. He called for similar cooperation to address other infrastructure challenges, such as improving State Route 347.

Chairwoman Amelia Flores of the Colorado River Indian Tribes and President Sandra Pattea of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation also addressed the gathering. Both leaders shared perspectives on issues affecting tribal communities, including water management, economic development, and the need for continued dialogue with state officials.

The day’s events, organized by the Arizona Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations, also highlighted cultural traditions and the involvement of tribal youth. Students from Gila Crossing Community School recited the Pledge of Allegiance in both O’otham and English during the opening ceremony. Jr. Miss Gila River, Shayla Davis, also attended the resources fair on the Senate Lawn.

Gov. Lewis used his speech to focus attention on two key issues: Arizona’s water crisis and the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous people. On water management, he stressed the need for science-based solutions and long-term planning. “Arizona’s future depends on our ability to meet this challenge together,” Lewis said, advocating for policies that balance conservation with sustainable use of water resources.

Addressing the troubling number of missing Indigenous women in Arizona, Lewis called for action. “Arizona ranks third nationally in cases of missing Indigenous women,” he said. He urged lawmakers to support a proposed “Amber Alert”-style system to coordinate tribal, state, and federal responses to missing Indigenous persons. 

“This is an opportunity for action, and I hope you will support this effort,” said the Governor.

The Legislative Day, held annually, provides a forum for tribal and state leaders to honor the contributions of Indigenous communities and work toward shared goals. Over the past 30 years, it has become a cornerstone of state-tribal relations in Arizona.

“Together,” said Gov. Lewis, “we can build on the progress of the past 30 years to address the challenges and opportunities of the future.”