Tribes, governments move to reverse struggles of state’s Native American students
Arizona has the third-highest population of American Indians in the country and is home to 22 federally recognized tribes. And though it has the second-largest Native American student population in the country, children and teens are failing standardized tests and dropping out of school at higher rates than any other group, according to the Arizona Department of Education’s 2014 Indian Education[...]
Gay marriage is legal but not on tribal lands
The U.S. Supreme Court decided this year that gay marriages were legal nationwide, but American Indian reservations are not bound by the decision and many continue to forbid gay marriages and deny insurance and other benefits.
ESAs for all tribal students creates choice for underserved populations
More than 150 children on Indian reservations across Arizona were given the opportunity this year to leave their failing schools for better performing ones.
U.S. House OKs bill giving tribes more control over mineral resources
The U.S. House approved a bill Thursday that aims to streamline the process of licensing energy projects on tribal lands, by shortening the time for federal approvals and limiting public comment on environmental impacts.
Tribes: Domestic violence program ‘very successful,’ but challenges remain
The Pascua Yaqui were one of three tribes – along with the Tulalip of Washington and the Umatilla of Oregon – that tested the tribal prosecutions under the Violence Against Women Act before it became available to all tribes this year.
Handful of holdout tribes dig in against gay marriage
Even if a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this spring makes same-sex marriage the law, it would leave pockets of the country where it isn't likely to be recognized any time soon: the reservations of a handful of sovereign Native American tribes, including the nation's two largest.
Coconino County Jail adding sweat lodge for Native American inmates
Kelvin Long, a Navajo who will serve as cultural adviser for a Native American religious program at the Coconino County Jail, inspects a circular rebar frame that will be covered with blankets to form a sweat lodge.
Senate plan would provide nearly $1 million annually to Navajo college based in New Mexico
A New Mexico-based college that recently cut its ties with a foundation led by state Rep. Catherine Miranda to enroll undocumented immigrants would get nearly $1 million a year under a Senate spending plan.
Rations Day at San Carlos
With little else to look forward to, rations day on the San Carlos Apache Reservation was an event. As evidenced by this photo, taken about 1895, men, women and children, on horseback, muleback, and accompanied by their dogs, converged on agency headquarters to receive their weekly allotment.
U.S. House debates bill to block Tohono O’odham casino in Glendale
The House is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a bill to block a proposed Tohono O’odham casino in Glendale, after an emotional debate Monday in which each side accused the other of setting a dangerous precedent.
Arizona at 100 A high-tech powerhouse of scenic vistas, natural resources and recreation
From the day that Arizona became a state on Feb. 14, 1912, its boundaries have remained unchanged, but if not for some political gamesmanship, today’s Grand Canyon State would have had a remarkably different portrait.
With prayers and a postage stamp, Arizona pauses to celebrate 100 years
After American Indians led silent prayers at sunrise, dozens marked Arizona’s 100th birthday Tuesday by trekking a mile to the State Capitol, following a volunteer dressed as George W.P. Hunt, the state’s first governor.














