



Coming into 2025, our Nation is in a strong position. We are expanding economic opportunities, improving access to higher education, building out our infrastructure for long-term success, and taking concrete steps to protect our sacred sites and cultural resources. We honor our Himdag and who we are.
These principles are more crucial than ever, given the changing political landscape in the U.S., which is already testing our positions in key areas. As you will read on Page 4, the Nation is taking determined action to ensure that the new administration’s radical efforts to defund and dismantle federal programs do not impact its responsibilities to the Nation. We are working with tribes across the country to present a united voice in protecting the interests of our tribal members.
I know that there is a great deal of concern and confusion about what the Trump administration is doing. Which is why we are providing regular updates through radio and social media so that tribal members are kept up to date on what is happening, how it might affect the Nation, and what leadership is doing to safeguard you from any impacts.
As we move deeper into 2025 and all the challenges and opportunities it brings, the Nation continues to press ahead with major construction projects, as you can read about on Page 2. I am particularly excited about the construction of new basketball courts at South Komelik Community and Hodai Son Wo’o (Charco 27) Community, which are ontrack for completion by the end of March. The site of these courts was selected in apublic contest in 2022 and are being built in partnership with the Hunt / Penta Joint Venture.
By the time you read this, the concrete at both courts will be poured and we will just be waiting for the finishing touches once the concrete cures. Having these basketball courts in place will enhance the quality of life for these communities. Not just as places for tribal members to shoot hoops, but also as gathering sites for all sorts of events and activities.
We also recently celebrated our largest annual community gathering as a Nation, the 86th Annual Tohono O’odham Nation Rodeo and Fair. You can read a recap of the event, which featured free admission for the very first time, on Page 3. This year was the biggest and best yet.
My congratulations to all the participants in the rodeo and other events. I hope that everyone who attended the rodeo and fair had a wonderful time and had the opportunity to catch up with family and friends from all over. It is a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, we draw strength from coming together as a Nation.
–Verlon M. Jose, Chairman
The Tohono O’odham Nation is moving forward with multiple construction projects across different departments in order to improve working environments and enhance services for tribal members. Many of these projects require Council approval in order to finalize, including Education, Membership Services, Fire/Police, Administration, and the new hospital. We look forward to working with the Council on these critical projects.
We are excited to introduce Angelina Lewis from the Sells District, as the new Executive Director of the Human Resources Department. Director Lewis has dedicated 13 years of service to the Nation’s HR Department, where she has held various roles that have significantly contributed to her outstanding growth and expertise. With her extensive experience and leadership skills, Director Lewis is poised to bring innovative strategies and a strong vision to our HR team.
We look forward to the positive impact she will have in fostering a supportive and thriving workplace for all. Please join us in welcoming her to this important role!
For the first time ever, the 86th Annual Tohono O’odham Nation Rodeo and Fair was free for all attendees, with free admissions, free carnival rides, and free parking including free shuttle service on Friday and Saturday. The Legislative Council supported the Executive Office’s initiative to make this exciting event free to the public. Additional funding from sponsors such as Desert Diamond Casino, the Hunt/Penta Joint Venture, CKP Insurance, Dentons, and others supplemented other components of the Rodeo and Fair.
We want to thank the incredible rodeo talent who competed, particularly All Around Champion Cowboy Hiyo Yazzie of Coyote Canyon, NM on the Navajo Nation and All Around Champion Cowgirl Martina Monroe, from Topawa in the Nation’s Baboquivari District. Mr. Yazzie also took first place in Steer Wrestling, Calf Roping, and Team Roping. Ms. Monroe took first place in Ladies Breakaway.
Ms. Monroe, age 39, said “I was riding horses at two years old and remember falling asleep on the horse while riding. I started roping and picked up breakaway in the 8th grade at 14 years old.”
She went on to say “It was a proud moment for me, being from Topawa community, Baboquivari District, to win the All Around title to represent the Tohono O’odham Nation at the hometown rodeo. Just winning the breakaway roping itself was awesome.”
We also want to recognize the participants in all the traditional games and activities, the “O’odham Super Heroes” and others who took part in the parade, the wonderful bands and performers, the vendors, the sponsors, and of course all of the volunteers and staff who made this event possible.
Most of all we want to thank you, our Tohono O’odham Nation community, for coming together for this great celebration! That’s what this event is always about, bringing our people together to have fun, celebrate our heritage, meet old friends, and make new ones. We had an incredible turnout this year, and we are already looking forward to an even better 87th Annual Rodeo and Fair next year. See you there!
The entire country has been flooded with a series of ill-advised, dangerous and potentially illegal Executive Orders from President Trump’s first month in office. The Nation’s Executive Office and our legal, lobbying and communications team have been reviewing these chaotic policy updates to identify how they may impact our Nation and our people.
We strongly feel that President Trump’s actions, including the freezing of federal funding and mass layoffs of federal workers, are unacceptable and we will not allow his administration to ignore the federal government’s trust responsibility to the Nation and other tribes.
In response, we have initiated a robust plan that ensures we do three things: 1) Maintain an under-standing of the latest updates through our lobbying team; 2) Keep our districts and tribal citizens informed and engaged through regular PSAs; and 3) Advocate for our Nation through meetings and visits with high-profile federal officials and elected leaders.
At the same time, those Departments that are, or potentially will be impacted by federal cuts are doing in-depth reviews and identifying possible impacts to their of their programs. With regard to Indian Health Service (IHS) the Nation oversees its own health care services through the Tohono O’odham Nation Health Care. As a result, we do not see any reduction in TONHC services at this time.
We encourage all tribal citizens to read and share our updates. We are in this together.
The annual Indigenous Nations and Tribes Legislative Day brought together tribal leaders, the Arizona Governor’s Office, and members of the state legislature together on Jan. 15, 2025. The Nation’s leaders met with multiple key policymakers at the state level to advocate for the interests of the O’odham.
Nation leaders and staff have secured the largest restoration of our lands from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs in nearly 100 years. Working with BIA, the Nation secured the return of approximately 160 acres and continues to work toward the restoration of remaining lands held in reserve by the BIA.
Since the current international border was put in place over 170 years ago, our traditional lands in Mexico have been out of the Nation’s control. Now, the Nation has taken the step of acquiring more than 6,000 acres in Sonora, Mexico, just south of the border. This purchase provides essential access for O’odham on both sides of the border.
In a historic agreement, the Nation will now be co-stewards with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in protecting our sacred sites and resources on the eastern slopes of the Baboquivari Mountains. The Nation’s long-term goal is to provide the strongest protection to this deeply significant part of our ancestral lands.
Update on Construction Projects
Meet the New HR Executive Director Angelina Lewis
The First FREE Tohono O’odham Nation Rodeo and Fair Was a Spectacular Success
NATION’S REPONSE TO TRUMP ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Meetings with Arizona Officials
Restoration of BIA Reserve Land
Acquiring Traditional Lands on the Border
Welcome to the first issue of our Executive Office newsletter! We have launched this publication to better share what our office is up to and how our activities are impacting the lives of tribal members.
In this very first issue of the newsletter, you will learn more about the $750 one-time payment to tribal members and what our Office is doing to help you apply for it. We will also share an update on the relocation of Executive branch offices.
We will also share information on our meetings with other jurisdictions, how the Nation is preparing for the new U.S. administration, and winter public safety reminders.
You will also hear about major capital projects on the Nation, including the recently completed O’odham Ñi’okĭ Ki:, a language center at TOCC that will help us preserve and revitalize the O’odham language. Important updates are also provided on the Dec. 18 opening of Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks at San Lucy and the special grand opening ceremony for tribal members.
There is too much going on for a single newsletter, which is why we will be providing regular updates to keep tribal members informed about the Executive Office. This newsletter reflects the belief that has always guided me in my years of public service – it’s not about me, or other elected leaders, it is about all of us working together to serve the people. We are here to serve the people, and that is always our highest priority.
It is a reminder of what our O’odham Himdag teaches us, that we are stronger when we work together. Let’s carry that wisdom forward and continue to work with each other to build a better future for our Nation, especially as we enter the holiday season. As you gather with family, we hope all our tribal members find comfort and peace. As you come together with neighbors, we hope you find inspiration to do even more for your community.
On behalf of Vice Chairwoman Johnson and myself, we wish you a joyful holiday season.
–Verlon M. Jose,
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman
The Executive Office, together with the Legislative Council, has announced a one-time payment of $750 each to all eligible members, under the COVID-19 Member Economic Impact Payment II General Welfare Program. To receive these funds, tribal members must complete an application and submit a copy of a Tribal Enrollment ID or certificate no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 13, 2024.
Applications can be done online at www.tonation-nsn.gov or mailed to “Tohono O’odham Nation, Attn: ARPA, PO Box 837, Sells, AZ 85634”. The Executive Office is also taking steps to assist tribal members with the process, including organizing a series of “pop-up” application events where staff can receive and assist with applications. More details can be found on the Nation’s website.
To be eligible for the $750 payment, individuals must be enrolled members of the Tohono O’odham Nation and must be at least 18 years old as of October 31, 2024.
With the support of the Executive Office, the Legislative Council passed a resolution approving the distribution of all remaining American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds directly to tribal members. The funds needed to be utilized by the end of this year, and it was recognized that they would be best spent directly assisting members with the continued financial instability from the COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering impacts. The $750 payment to tribal members will help alleviate some of the financial burden O’odham families face during these uncertain times.
For additional information on this program, please visit the Nation’s website www.tonation-nsn.gov or email CRFASSISTANCE@tonation-nsn.gov.
The Tohono O’odham Legislative Council has entered the early stages of reconstructing a new TONLC building, this includes demolishing the current TONLC building. In preparation for this project, all offices that resided within the “White House” in Sells, including Executive Branch offices, have been vacated as of late July. During this process, the following Executive Branch offices have temporarily been relocated to alternate facilities.
Executive Office of the Chairman and Vice Chairwoman | Tohono O’odham Agency – Sells | (520) 383-2028 |
Executive Administrative Office | Tohono Plaza Suite #211 – Sells | (520) 383-2028 |
Tohono O’odham Nation Accounting (Sells) | TODHHS Complex S.E. – Sells | (520) 383-6600 |
Tohono O’odham Nation Accounting (Tucson) | Tucson Office | (520) 383-6600 |
Property & Supply | TODHHS Complex S.E. – Sells | (520) 383-6600 |
Tribal Department Mailboxes | TODHHS Complex S.E. -Sells | (520) 383-6600 |
This relocation activity is not disrupting services for Tohono O’odham Nation members. The Executive Branch continues to operate at its normal capacity to assist tribal members. If you have any challenges finding the alternative office locations during this time, please contact our offices by phone for assistance. A full directory can be found on the Nation’s website at www.tonation-nsn.gov/directory.
We look forward to reopening our main offices with a new facility and a greater ability to serve the people of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
The 2024 General Election has come and gone. The Nation experienced strong voter turnout. Based on unofficial numbers, 63% of eligible Nation voters cast their ballots, one of the strongest turnouts in years. This is consistent with strong turnout from across Arizona tribes.
Thank you to everyone who studied the issues, cast your vote, and made your voice heard. Thank you as well to all the volunteers and election workers who helped encourage O’odham voter turnout and assisted with voter questions. In a democracy, we are stronger together.
And yet, the O’odham and other indigenous people continue to face significant challenges in exercising our right to vote. The high turnout this year was in spite of these obstacles. The Nation will continue to fight for stronger protections of our voting rights and work to remove the obstacles that continue to disproportionately impact native voters.
As the United States moves forward with the transition to a new administration, the Tohono O’odham Nation is preparing for government-to-government relations with the incoming president. Setting aside politics, the Nation is committed to seeking opportunities to work together for mutual benefit.
However, Chairman Jose and Vice Chairwoman Johnson are also prepared to stand up for the Nation’s rights and sovereignty. The Nation has stood firm against misguided policies before, and it is prepared to do so again.
Tribal members are encouraged to stay engaged in the issues so that elected leaders at all levels can be held accountable and our democracy kept strong. Each and every member’s voice is important in building a better future for the O’odham.
In recent months, Chairman Jose, Vice Chairwoman Johnson, and others have met with a wide range of federal officials to discuss issues and opportunities facing the Nation. This includes Senator-Elect Ruben Gallego, who has been a longtime ally of the Nation in Congress and will be an even more significant supporter in the U.S. Senate.
Additionally, meetings were held with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Mark Kelly, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small and Congressman Joe Morelle and others.
Earlier this year we also welcomed Chief Lynn Malerba, the first Native American to serve as Treasurer of the United States, to the Nation to learn more about our communities and the programs implemented with the support of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Executive Office leadership and staff have also had extensive meetings with Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and key city staff members to discuss potential areas of partnership.
At every meeting, Chairman Jose and Vice Chairwoman Johnson continue to build bridges and advocate for the Nation. This welcoming approach is rooted in O’odham tradition and continues to pay dividends for our Nation.
The beauty of the land of the Tohono O’odham Nation can at times overshadow the real threats that our people face in the winter months. As the days get colder, always remember the 4 P’s: People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes.
For the latest updates, visit www.facebook.com/TON.Emergency.Management
Nation members ages 21 and older are invited to attend a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks at San Lucy, the Nation’s fifth gaming facility. It is located at 8200 N. Sarival Ave. west of Glendale near Loop 303 and Northern Parkway.
The festivities start at 10:00am on Wednesday, Dec. 18, with live music, refreshments, and a brief program.
After the ribbon is cut, Nation members will be the first to experience this beautiful facility. This is a free event for tribal members, but you MUST be 21 or older to attend.
For questions, contact Michelle Smith at the Gaming Enterprise, 520-342-2900.
In October, the Nation broke ground on a permanent Children’s Home. This facility will one day serve as a home for 45 children, most of whom are currently residing outside our lands, and provide care and education that reflects O’odham values, language, and Himdag. This is a great undertaking that has spanned multiple administrations and required the collaboration of the Legislative Council, multiple Nation departments, and Congressman Raúl Grijalva’s office and staff. The Children’s Home is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
The Nation also recently held a grand opening celebration for O’odham Ñi’okĭ Ki:, the O’odham Language Center at Tohono O’odham Community College. All O’odham are encouraged to visit this new facility and engage with the plentiful resources that have been made available to help individuals on their language journeys.
These are just two examples of several major construction projects throughout the Nation that Chairman Jose’s administration has undertaken for the benefit of all members. Additional updates on these exciting new projects for the Tohono O’odham Nation will be shared in future issues of this newsletter. Stay tuned!
P.O. Box 837 | Sells, AZ 85634
contactus@tonation-nsn.gov
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Sells Business Loop Sells, AZ 85634
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