Colorado River tribe aims to establish ‘one unified voice’ in policy talks

The Fort Yuma-Quechan Indian Tribe is situated at a nexus in the Colorado River Basin. The tribe is also at a policy nexus on the river. With irrigated agriculture part of the tribe’s past and present connection to the river, the Quechan tribe is intimately tied to future policies on the Colorado River. KUNC’s Luke Runyon interviewed the Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe’s president Jordan Joaquin to hear his perspective on future policy talks that will be with President Joe Biden's administration.


Tribal efforts to preserve languages get boost from COVID relief funds

The American Rescue Plan will set aside $20 million to help Native American nations preserve their languages. The funding is designed to help assure the survival of tribal cultures, spiritual identities and forms of traditional communication.


Professional bull riders Whitehorse, Jesus find strong support from Native American community

GLENDALE – PBR riders Keyshawn Whitehorse and Cody Jesus are from the Navajo Nation. When the PBR comes to Arizona, many Native American fans show up to support them.


Group steps up to get supplies to Navajo veterans during pandemic

PHOENIX – When two Arizona veterans heard that veterans on the Navajo reservation were struggling during the pandemic, they felt it was their duty to help. So they started raising money to get supplies directly to them.


Arizona tribes get $88 million more for housing in COVID-relief bill

WASHINGTON - Tribes in Arizona will get another $88 million in housing grants - the most of any state - from the $450 million in tribal housing assistance released Thursday by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.


Tribal leaders ask for more funding, less meddling for water projects

WASHINGTON - Arizona tribal officials told a Senate committee Wednesday that the federal government can help address a crisis with water infrastructure on their lands through more funding, and less meddling.

Man on top of water tank

Tribes welcome COVID-19 relief funds, say deep-rooted problems remain

WASHINGTON - Advocates said the billions in aid slated for Native Americans under the latest COVID-19 relief bill is welcome, but they told a House committee Tuesday that a one-shot infusion will not solve all the challenges facing tribes.


‘One generation away’: Diné College fights to keep Navajo culture alive during pandemic

The Navajo Nation has been hit hard by COVID-19. Schools and teachers like those at the Diné College in Tsaile pass on traditional knowledge in the face of a pandemic.


House OKs ERA bill, Violence Against Women Act in Women’s History Month

WASHINGTON — The House reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act and lifted the deadline for ERA ratification during Women’s History Month.


A Colorado River showdown is looming. Let the posturing begin.

A showdown is looming among the states that rely on the Colorado River for drinking and irrigation water. Negotiations are set to start on the river's future among worsening drought conditions.


Tribes to get record funding from American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON – Native American tribes nationwide will receive more than $31 billion as part of the American Rescue Plan, the largest one-time investment to Native American communities in history.


Kiowa actor ‘stood a little straighter’ after landing role as a chief of his tribe

After nearly 30 years of playing indigenous characters, Kiowa tribal member Gary Tsoodle finally played a Kiowa.

Dorothy WhiteHorse DeLaune and Gary Tsoodle