Tohono O'odham Young Voices

This episode features Lourdes Escalante, Executive Director of Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras (Indigenous Alliance Without Borders), who is heavily involved in the Tucson community and is a member of the Yoeme (Pascua Yaqui) tribe. The episode starts off with a content warning to address the discussions that include accounts of domestic violence and death which could be traumatic and potentially triggering to some listeners. This thoughtful in-depth conversation addresses the culture of silence, lateral violence, femicide/feminicidio, toxic masculinity, and other factors that contribute to Missing and Murdered Indigneous Relations. Lourdes also gave an overview of the data and statistics from the Arizona Statewide Study in Partnership with HB2570 Legislative Study Committee. The conversation leads into spreading awareness about MMIR and best practices to begin to heal as a community, while supporting those directly impacted who have lost a loved one. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking etc. please see the helpful links below. Helpful resources:Emerge Center Against Domestic ViolenceMissing and Murdered Indigenous PeopleTohono O'odham Nation Komckud Ki: Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention ProgramVoices UnheardSouthwest Indigenous Women's CoalitionStalkingRelated stories:Missing and Murdered Indigenous Cases That Deserve More Attention Feminicidio Close to Home: Remembering Dr. Raquel Padilla Ramos

*Content warning the following contains discussions surrounding experiences with border patrol and graphic descriptions of violence, and even death, that may be triggering, or traumatizing to some audiences. Please take care while listening*On May 18, 2023, Raymond Mattia Sr. (baht) a respected member of the Tohono O'odham community, was tragically shot and killed by Border Patrol agents. This incident, highlights the frequent and invasive interactions between Border Patrol and the Tohono O'odham people with the use of excessive force. This episode highlights the family and community members that have organized peaceful protests, and are pursuing legal action, emphasizing the need for greater oversight of Border Patrol operations. Raymond's death has brought attention to issues of accountability and transparency within the Border Patrol, his family has been vocal about the excessive force used and the lack of accountability, calling for immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies within the community. There is a growing call for solidarity and support from other communities to raise awareness and catalyze societal change.This incident underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Border Patrol practices, the family's advocacy for justice highlights the ongoing struggles of militarization across the Tohono O'odham Nation, may we continue to stand in solidarity with the family in their efforts. *for NON O'odham listeners. (BAHT) is a O'odham phrase meaning to respect those who have passed and keep them at peace. 

In this season finale of Tohono O'odham Young Voices, we thank the listeners for your support, as we also reflect on season eight's accomplishments, and preview season nine's focus on uplifting Indigenous stories. This episode highlights personal updates from us, including Tina's work with community radio, Napoleon's new teaching role at San Carlos Apache College, and Bree's dual degree pursuit.  We also discuss Community projects, including a permanent exhibit at the Mexican American Heritage Center and Museum, an NEH-funded sound-based project, and the San Xavier Allottees Association's podcast initiative.Next, we reflect on community events and conferences, underscoring their role in promoting engagement and cultural preservation. Key episode discussions from season eight are revisited including one with Kiana Pete and season nine's focus on topics like Indigenous rights and missing and murdered Indigenous women is previewed, kicking off with an episode about Raymond Mattia Sr. (baht).We want to thank all the listeners who came to support us and gave us words of encouragement as we dive into deeper topics in our communities around justice and awareness that could be challenging for some listeners.Follow and check out some of the amazing Indigenous communities doing similar work to us and support! Here are helpful links to learn more about the topics we discussed in our conversation:https://www.tribalselfgov.org/about/https://usindigenousdatanetwork.org/us-indigenous-data-sovereignty-governance-summit/https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/friday-april-19-2024-remembering-the-1974-navajo-border-town-murders/https://grbc.tv/https://www.pursuitfilms.com/blog/the-girl-scout-murdersMusic By- Famous Ones "Love You To The Moon & Back (Interlude)" Chica De Mis SuenosEpidemic Sound - Jobii, LM. Styles "Kerfuffle" Midnight Haze

This conversation is Hosted by Tina, Co-hosted with Napolean, featuring guest Kianna Pete (Dine). Kianna is a scholar, advocate, freelance writer, and Indigenous education & policy researcher from New Mexico. Working with tribes of the southwest, environmental justice organizers, and legal scholars, she promotes Indigenous self-determination and equitable education. Kianna also provides free educational resources on social media about Indigenous organizing around issues of climate change and tribal rights.Kianna's project title: The Formation of Tribal Reservation Border Towns: Navigating Dine Identity in “Injun-Killing” Spaces. Examination of Tribal Reservation Bordertowns - relatively new concept to Indigenous studies that responds to the ensuing violence against Native Americans. Helpful links:Book - Red Nation Rising - https://www.google.com/books/edition/...The Everyday Violence of Indian Country's "bordertowns" - https://www.hcn.org/issues/53-6/ideas...The Amerian Indian Movement: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMjHxththQA&t=0sA Broken Circle" NHD DocumentaryInstagram https://www.instagram.com/kianna_pete...Tohono O'odham Young Voices: https://www.toyoungvoices.com/

DeShawn Davis is a young environmentalist exploring traditional O'odham Jewedga (O'odham lands) in Southern Arizona. He currently works as a Next Generation Ranger at Saguaro National Park and is also an involved participant in the Eco Truths for Indigenous Youth. His passion for science-based programs and work experiences have provided him with the knowledge and the tools to excel in the STEM world. He also embraces his deep cultural connections and access to ancestral lands. The critical role we have as Native/Indigenous people to protect sacred sights, nature, animals, etc. is important especially when working in the National Park Service; to educate and share historical facts, and cultural perspectives, and update the narrative that local tribes are more than just a chapter in history books, but that we are still here evolving and thriving while still holding on to our cultural inheritance.Recorded: January 2024Background music by: Guustavv “Barranca” and Bomull “älv”For more information about Deshawn's involvement, check out these articles and interviews!Next-generation ranger camphttps://www.nps.gov/sagu/getinvolved/next-generation-ranger-corps.htmEco Truths for Indigenous Youthhttps://ironwoodtreeexperience.org/community/projects/ecotruths-for-indigenous-youth-2/

In this thought-provoking episode, join us as we dive deep into the intersecting worlds of Indigenous issues and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Tina Andrew, Executive Producer, and co-host Napoleon Marrietta lead a dynamic discussion, bringing together a diverse panel of experts. Dr. Christopher Wise, a seasoned professor with a wealth of experience in Africa and the Middle East, adds academic depth to our conversation. Another special guest Amy Juan, drawing from her firsthand experiences in Palestine-Israel, offers a unique perspective that uncovers striking parallels between the O'odham and Palestinian lifestyles and experiences living within' a militarized environment. Throughout the episode, our conversation centers on key themes such as colonization, land rights, and cultural preservation, spotlighting the universal nature of these struggles. The parallels between the experiences of Indigenous people and Palestinians serve as a lens to examine complex global issues. We emphasize the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts as we explore the intricate web of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.This dialogue challenges listeners to think critically about these issues beyond mainstream narratives, inviting them to explore deeper dimensions of historical, political, and social significance. Ultimately, this episode offers a multifaceted exploration of global conflicts, Indigenous issues, and the profound impact of personal narratives on our collective understanding of complex social and political dynamics.Tune in for an enlightening and engaging conversation that aims to broaden your perspective on these pressing global issues.Background music: Dusty Decks "Top Glare", Ahmad Kaabour "Ounadikom", Hannes "Summer 3000" Recorded: November 22, 2023

Episode 39 was co-hosted by Bre, Tina, and Mia with special guest Mato Wayuhi. Mato is Oglala Lakota from the Pine Ridge rez in South Dakota. He is mostly known as a multidisciplinary artist who composes his own music, raps, and is brining his own unique sound to mainstream media. His recent work is infamously heard throughout the Reservation Dogs series seasons one through three which he composed as well as acted as Young Bucky in season three, which is sadly the final season of the show. The impacts he's making and the roads he's paving for younger generations to follow or not follow, are at least recieving recognition from all walks of life. Bringing that indigenous sound for the universe to hear, staying true to his own individualism as an artist, while intigrating his Oglala Lakota roots, his talent does not disappoint! The interview Mato, shares his music journey that eventually led him to also compse music for Disney Launchpad titled "The Roof." We hope you enjoy the conversation!Background music by: Mato Wayuhi "Rez Dogs Theme" "Switch Lanes" "Sour Sofkee" Recorded: October 30, 2023

This episode is co-hosted by Tina and Napolean with guest Dr. Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan (Tohono O'odham). Tune in as we take a deep dive into Dr. J's dissertation research and background in journalism. She is from Wa:k Ceksan (San Xavier District) of the Tohono O'odham Nation just South of Tucson, Arizona. Tina has known Dr. J and has over the years followed her work in the community, both as a student and as a professional. The journey in journalism for Jacelle started at a young age as a bear essential news reporter up until her college years where she fulfilled her dream to be a journalist for Indian Country Today. As she transitioned into the doctoral program at the University of Arizona, Jacelle began to focus more on her community of Wa:k (where the water rises) also known as San Xavier and its history of land and water. Growing up she often heard stories of the jewed (land) and the impacts that have affected it til this day. It wasn't until she began her own research that she unearthed community and surrounding local stories that helped her piece together what all those impacts were for Wa:k O'odham. Sapo!With permission from Dr. J, if you would like a copy of her dissertation please feel to email us at tonyoungvoices@gmail.com to receive a pdf copy. Background music by: baegel “Training Montage” and Dusty Decks “Top Glare”Recorded: October 2023

In this episode host Tina Andrew is joined by two strong, educated, indigenous women who both work in the field of archaeology. Dr. Paulette Steeves (Cree-Métis) is a renowned indigenous archaeologist who's work is groundbreaking for all indigenous/native communities. In her research, Steeves argues that, "Indigenous peoples were present in the Western Hemisphere as early as 100,000 years ago, and possibly much earlier. She has created a database of hundreds of archaeology sites in both North and South America that date from 250,000 to 12,000 years before present, which challenges the Clovis First dogma of a post 12,000 year before present initial migrations to the Americas." Her book, "The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere," focuses on reclaiming the history of the deep past of Indigenous people in North and South America during the Paleolithic.Our second guest is a former team member of the podcast, Genesis, a Yoeme anthropologist, Entrepreneur, and Land Defender, works as a field archaeologist in Arizona. She shares her experiences and the challenges she's faced with in academia, and field work. Backgroung music by: Ambre Jaune "Chant for Quisqueyat" and Matt Large "Llevame Lejos de Aqui"Recorded: October 2023

In this episode we went live with waila/Tejano musician Stevie Ray Vavages. Tune in as Stevie goes in depth about his upcoming and his musical journey that is rooted in the Tohono O'odham social music called Waila. The word waila is derived from the Spanish word Baila, which means “to dance.” Growing up Stevie was surrounding by music and inspired by family who played in a waila band called Thee Express. He was taught the guitar at a young age and has sense then stayed committed to his dream of playing along side musicians he used to practice and study in his beginning years as a musician. Today, he is living in Texas, playing with the infamous Jaime DeAnda, original frontman of Jaime y Los Chamacos! He has also shared the stage with and/or recorded with popular musicians such as Albert Zamora, Max Baca, Flaco Jimenez, and even cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In this interview Stevie not only talks about his musical journey but shares his more personal everyday life experiences as well. Youtube live with Stevie Ray VavagesMusic by: Thee Express "Arabian Cumbia" "Greasewood chote", Stevie Ray Vavages "Express Chote" and American Indians "Cry Babe (waila)"Recorded: September 2023

In this episode Exec. Producer, Tina and guest Tanisha Tucker-Lohse share their last thoughts about our partnership with the Artist-At-Work (AAW) Program as it comes to an end. Over the past months Tanisha has been a mentor to the entire podcast team, sharing her time, knowledge, and engaging the community through hands on cultural experiences. We've had the opportunity to learn from Tanisha during the spring and summer harvesting seasons. Tune in as she shares what her time was like participating in the AAW program and how this past harvesting season went. Also check out our website to see what recipes Tanisha has shared with you! Tohono O'odham Young Voices Podcast Recorded: August 2023

Episode 34 features the trio Famous Ones, who are brothers Chad (drums/guitar), Carl (bass/guitar), and AJ (accordion/guitar) Flores from the San Lucy community near Gila Bend, AZ. They began learning how to play music taught by their late Dad who started teaching them at a young age about dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to their music talents. Famous Ones are continuously setting the bar for themselves, bringing to fruition their ideas of not only music, but business opportunities that include their own apparel, hot sauce, and much more which you will hear in the interview. They also go more in-depth about their latest complication album titled Consistent, which rings true to their ability to drop multiple albums per year! Famous Ones versatility is displayed in their many business ventures and musical styles that include, waila, hip-hop/electronic synth, and corridos.Background music by Famous Ones song titled "Her Obsession" and "N.F." from their latest album titled Consistent Famous Ones YouTube ChannelRecorded: July 2023

In this episode, Napolean and Bre are joined by Monique Harvey, a UCOD Graduate Student, and Crystal Miller, a current Ph.D. student at the University of Arizona. Together, they delved into the unique challenges and milestones that come with being a Native student in academia. The conversation revolved around their personal and professional experiences in education, the importance of having mentors, and the obstacles faced by indigenous students in higher education. Topics like imposter syndrome, the need for support systems, and the value of sharing knowledge and experiences were all explored. At the conclusion of the episode, the team and guests shared words of advice and encouragement for future Native students. They stressed the significance of taking small steps, asking questions, seeking support, and not giving up. Their advice is a testament to the importance of perseverance and the power of community in achieving success.We want to thank the listeners for making this episode possible, your experiences and voices matter, which allowed us to dive into this topic of the native education experiences. For more episodes check out our website!https://www.toyoungvoices.com/Recorded June 2023

In this episode, Tanisha and I decided to meet up at “A” Mountain aka Sentinal Peak in Tucson to have a conversation about desert wild foods and climate change. Even though it was windy up top we found a comfortable spot alongside the mountain facing south Tucson. It was a good place to reflect and imagine what the land once was like when it was just our ancestors the Huhugam (Hohokam). We delve into the topic of how we gather and what we eat from desert plants and how every year we depend on the seasonal changes that produce the wild foods we harvest, some years the plants flower early or they produce late. As a wild food harvester, I've taken notice of some unpredictable weather patterns we've experienced throughout the Tohono O'odham Nation. I talk about a few examples such as the wildfire that took over I'iolgam Duag (kitt peak), over-saturated soil that caused flooding, and how in recent years we got snow throughout southern Arizona more than once in one-winter season. Tanisha, who is also a desert food harvester, shares her view about the effects of climate change and how it affects the seasonal foraging of various desert plants. We also bring attention to the thought of looking at desert wild foods as food security in a time of rapid worldwide climate change. We hope you enjoy our conversation!For more episodes check out our website!https://www.toyoungvoices.com/Recorded May 2023

For many years this “Desert Dweller” aka Andrew has been in the metal scene as a musician and as a concert promoter. In this episode, “Desert Dweller” shares a before and after experience of the Vinom Piast; a show that highlights mostly Native bands local and non-local. Bringing Vinom Piast (metal party) to his own community was a way to bring the sounds of distortion, intricate guitar work, and blast beats to highlight the talent of this genre that oftentimes gets dismissed and is misunderstood by the greater public. He also shares his perspective about “Rez Metal” and how many natives find this style of music to be a representation of themselves. Many people may be resistant to embrace metal music and the culture, but growing up on the rez, there's always that one metal head auntie, uncle, cousin, or parent that unknowingly introduces this style of music to the next generation of rez kids!Recorded: March 2023Music credit:Dogyard https://dogyard.bandcamp.com/album/dogyardOcean Harvest "Snake Deciever" --- https://www.oceanharvestaz.com/Merciless Indian Savages (M.I.S.) "Kill the Man, Save the Indian" Royalty free metal instrumental music on YTVideo Audio Credit: Guardians

In this episode Exec. Producer, Tina, sits down with Tanisha Tucker Lohse (Tohono O'odham) to talk about upcoming collaborations with the podcast. Tanisha is currently in a residency program called Artist At Work (AAW) which is aimed to provide artists with the means to continue their work passion during a post-pandemic time. With this program T.O. Young Voices has been selected as the Social Impact Partner that will support the AAW. Together, they discuss their long working relationship and future projects that will help promote the work Tanisha is doing as a traditional food harvester. A few of those plans are to feature her work on the podcast's website and produce an episode once a month that will highlight topics such as traditional/contemporary recipes, seasonal wild food harvesting practices, etc. Recorded: February 2023Music credit:Mato Wayuhi- "Flaming Flamers" and "Good seeing you" from the soundtrack Reservation Dogs.

In this episode Exec. Producer, Tina, had the opportunity to interview Jefferson Stein who is the Writer and Director of the short film "Burros". Burros was filmed in various locations on the Tohono O'odham Nation and tells the story of a young O'odham girl and a lost migrant child who's been separated from her father while passing through the rez. This film features familiar areas of O'odham jewed, the language, toka game, food, etc. It truly depicts the O'odham lifestyle in a way that hasn't been captured before on film. Though a fictional story, it is a very real representation of what we see here in the borderlands of southern Arizona. This short film has recieved international recognition and awards for it's unique and insightful depiction through the lens of a childs experience living in an area where many still exist in a cross-border way of life. Photo credit: Greg Goudreau, photographer for "Burros" features, Amaya Juan, and Zuemmy CarrilloIntroduction audio of the trailer: https://www.burrosthefilm.com/trailerEpisode image created by: Genesis

What is a pretendian? When do you know when someone is claiming to be someone they're not in Indigenous communities? Join podcast team members Napoleon and Genesis with special guests Rene and Erika from various Indigenous regions. We dive in a deep conversation about identity, political identity and the complexity of indigeneity and why we continue to tell our own stories. Background music/sound sources:-Outro music by artist Lakey Inspired song title "The Process" -Tik tok video by Charly Flyte: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rkd4RvoSDtE-Best Podcast Background Music Lofi While Talking No Copyright - TALK#8 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Copyright Free Music - Background Music For Videos https://bit.ly/31OjyRA-Background Music for educational videos No Copyright - TALK#11 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Copyright Free Music - Background Music For Videos https://bit.ly/31OjyRARecorded: November 2022

In this episode the podcast team discusses cross-cultural differences and similarities in our communities that include, tohono o'odham, akimel o'odham, and yoeme. The conversation goes into different traditions surrounding religious practices. We compare different points of religious contact in our different communities. While we understand and practice some of these holidays, we also acknowledge those who do not and critique the origins of assimilation in our communities. We also share about carrying on cultural traditions, language, etc. and touch on the topic about criticism of not being native enough. These various topics are what make our communities diverse and similar in many ways. To learn more about the podcast visit our website! www.toyoungvoices.com Recorded: November 2022

In this episode you will hear from three young O'odham who all started their professional journey's working in an oidag (garden) at Tohono O'odham Community College, located in Sells, Arizona. Duran Andrews is the Farm Manager at San Xavier Co-op Farm; he is from Ali Chukson (little Tucson) village on the Tohono O'odham rez. Monique "Tas Hiosig" Ramon is from the community of Covered Wells in the Gu-Achi District, she is currently a student at Tohono O'odham Community College (TOCC), while also working as an Agricultural Intern. DeAnndra Porter is from Sells and is currently a senior at the University of Arizona studying to receive a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Food Systems. Each guest shares their personal experiences about gardening, planting, and learning alongside O'odham oidag teacher Clifford Pablo, among other respected individuals who contributed in their oidag journey. Helpful web links: https://tocc.edu/, https://www.sanxaviercoop.org/ Background music/singing features: Keith Secola, American Indians, Amy Juan,Recorded: August 2022

I learned if we want to maintain our language, traditional foods, ceremonies, games, medicines, our cultural ways, we must do those things. Speak the language, plant, and harvest our lands, to keep our songs and stories alive. Planting and growing a garden is one of the ways to not only be sustainable, but to experience something our ancestors did many years ago. This episode features community members from the Tohono O'odham Nation. Amy Juan, who is a long-time community organizer; as she sings, she also explains the meanings behind two traditional songs along with her own thoughts and experiences as an oidag'kam (farmer). Yvette Ventura works for the Healthy O'odham Promotion Program; she shares her experience learning how to garden and having fun while documenting it on social media. Sterling Johnson works for the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture; he discusses traditional ecological knowledge (tek), while further explaining the science of genetic diversity in seeds.

This episode is hosted by Genesis Mariel Grijalva Duron, podcast team member. Join us in this intimate conversation between two kindred spirits who met on the front lines as they converse about their Indigeneity, queerness, and relationship to self and community. Two friends open a space for love and reflection on what it means to be human-- the pain, the joy, the pleasures. And how our bodies are inherently connected to the land. It is a celebration of love and of coming in, and not out, to our authentic selves. Background music provided by Emilia Villegas (she/her/ella) aka @mizskoden, https://soundcloud.com/user-273567044Youtube audio clip links:•Francesco Pieri Youtube Channel: Syliva Rivera, Sardegna Pride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajggl4KBCm0&t=3s•OutStories eTextbook Youtube Channel: Ma-Nee Chacaby talks about two Spirit identities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juzpocOX5ik Recorded: June 2022

In this episode hosted by Napoleon Marrietta, podcast team member, he interviews two Indigenous Athletes. They discuss their sports journey, competition, what they play and what helps motivate them to pass on their teachings from sports to the next generation. All of these incorporate our teachings as Indigenous people which include family, friends and community; these are incorporated in our Himdag (way of life). We hope you find connection to these stories and hope you can start your journey in sports. Recorded: June 2022

For the first time in the podcast's history, we sit down with another O'odham podcaster! Joining us for a new episode is host and producer of the Thoughts and Insights podcast Raphael Mendoza! - https://anchor.fm/native-daveListen in as we talk all about the Thoughts and Insights podcast. We find out what influenced Raphael to start his podcast and why he chose to focus on self-help and personal growth. In addition to talking about podcasts we also get to learn more about Raphael including his band GUARDIANS! Please join us for our first ever O'odham podcaster to podcaster interview!We also hope you will support our guest! You can find the Thoughts and Insights podcast Anchor and Spotify. You can also find out more about GUARDIANS including music on Facebook (Guardians), Instagram (@guardiansaz), and YouTube (Guardians AZ)!Written by: Dana Andrew, Senior EditorRecorded: March 2022

T.O. Young Voices is back with an all-new interview with our guest Grace Gonzalez aka DJ Blue Angel!A long-time employee of the Tohono O'odham radio station KOHN 91.9 FM, Grace shares about how she got her start in tribal radio, her time as an on-air DJ, and how that has led to her current position at the station. We also discuss the importance and impact of tribal radio in native communities. Plus, Grace also shares her own musical aspirations and for fans we hear the story of how she chose her name and of her most popular catchphrase, "Tune in and remember: buckle up! It's the law!"Recorded: March 2022

Discussions of treaties for land reclamation and reparations, the doctrine of discovery, protecting sacred sites and language, mining. All voices and topics welcomed.

In this episode I interview Jacob Butler, Chair of Native Seeds/SEARCH, a non-profit seed conservation organization located in Tucson, Arizona. Their mission is to, "find, protect, and preserve the seeds of the people of the Greater Southwest so that these arid adapted crops may benefit all peoples and nourish a changing world." - nativeseeds.orgTune in as Jacob addresses the issues some Native/Indigenous folks may have toward the organization and how at one point so did he. After years of his experiences and immersion into his culture and traditions of Onk Akimel O'odham, Jacob carries a wealth of knowledge that has been passed down from O'odham elders. He embraces both traditional and western knowledge of farming traditional O'odham crops. As you listen in you'll hear stories of humble beginnings, teaching moments, community garden efforts, etc. Recorded: March 2022

Tohono O'odham Young Voices is back with an all-new episode for the new year!Joining the show today is our guest, Amber Ortega. Amber is a member of and advocate for the Hia-Ced O'odham tribe. During our discussion she shares how she discovered her Hia-Ced roots and about the work being done to protect Hia-Ced culture. Unfortunately, her journey has not come without hardship. During a stand of solidarity for sacred site A'al Vappia or Quitobaquito Spring in 2020, Amber and another protester were arrested and charged for “interfering with federal government activities taking place on federal land”. With the attention from the media this story gained traction becoming interpreted as a stand against construction of the border wall. During this interview we hear the exact story of the events that took place that day along with the aftermath as she awaits sentencing. January 19, 2022, is the date for Amber Ortega's sentencing if you would like to show support by attending it will be held at 11am at the Tucson federal court building.For other ways to support check out the Water Protectors Legal Collective website http://waterprotectorlegal.org/Facebook - Water Protectors Legal Collective and O'odham Anti Border CollectiveInstagram - @waterprotectorlegal and @oodhamantiborder

Bringing in the New Year waila style! Here's to O'odham near and far, to everyone missing those live dances and celebrations. I'm feeling grateful to have made it through this year of unknowns, but also thinking of those who are going through unfortunate losses of a loved one due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dedicating this quarantine playlist to everyone out there missing waila music!

In this episode I feature special guest Lourdes Pereira, who is Hia-Ced O'odham and a student attending Arizona State University. Lourdes shares her experiences being a young O'odham representing her people the Hia-Ced O'odham (sand people) during a time when development of a border wall is and has caused permanent damaged to sacred areas and A'al Wappia (quitobaquito springs). A'al Wappia is a sacred and unique spring that has flourished for many years and is traditional territory to the Hia-Ced O'odham. This area is located within' the boundaries of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Southern Arizona. The history of the Hia-Ced O'odham has been almost none existent to the outside world. The Hia-Ced O'odham leadership have been working on becoming a federally recognized tribe. Their fight to seek recognition is almost constant when sharing information, getting a seat at the table, inclusion of their history and story, etc. Date recorded: October 19, 2020

This interview features the Famous Ones band who share with listeners the origins of the group and how they have grown individually. Creating their own style of music, they have no problem producing their own sound while still incorporating the traditional waila music. As you tune in you'll get to hear from band members how the group came to be, what projects are out now, and even a short sample of one of their songs off the album Versatile Music 2.

This is a music playlist featuring music from tribal communities throughout Southern Arizona that mainly consist of the four sister tribes known as the Tohono O'odham, Akimel O'odham, Onk Akimel O'odham, and Ak-Chin Indian Community. This social type dance music has been around since the 1800's, first introduced by the Jesuit missionaries who came into contact with the tribes. To learn more please refer to past episodes titled "The Culture of Waila, part 1 & 2."I wanted to put together this playlist as my tribute to all those O'odham out there missing the dances. This is probably the first time in history that all dance celebrations on O'odham lands have been cancelled due to the current health scare of COVID-19. So I dedicate this episode to anyone in need of a good Waila dance session! Recorded: April 08, 2020

This is the last part to the borderlands episode featuring Tohono O'odham Hemajkam Rights Network (TOHRN). Two members of the group, Amy Juan, and Nellie Jo David, had the opportunity to travel to Palestine with the World Without Walls delegation in 2017. Their purpose to making the journey was to listen and learn about how Palestinians are impacted by the Israeli Apartheid Wall. The simliar connections to a border wall and living in a militarized community can be easily linked to what border communities in Southern Arizona are dealing with. These two O'odham women also had the opportunity to share about how Tohono O'odham and our lands have been affected by border issues. Tune in to more about what the experience was like and how it inspired them to continue doing the work they do in regards to community and border issues on the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Dated Recorded: March 2018

In this episode, on two separate interviews I feature Josh Garcia, Tohono O'odham tribal member and journalists Todd Miller. During the interview with Josh we discuss the the fifteen integrated fixed towers proposed to be permanently placed along the border within' the boundary of the Tohono O'odham Nation. Josh's' work consists of sharing information on these surveillance towers to tribal members who've never heard of this proposal or have little understanding of it. As I sat with Todd Miller we first discuss his relation to the Tohono O'odham community and how his work relates to whats happening on the Tohono O'odham Nation in regards to the border. We also discuss his current book titled "Storming the Wall: Climate Change, Migration, & Homeland Security." In his first book titled "Border Patrol Nation: Dispatches from the frontlines of Homeland Security", Todd dedicated an entire chapter to O'odham tribal members. Tune in to hear more about these two perspectives on the southern border. Date Recorded: January 2018

Date Recorded: September 2017

In this episode I sit with Damon Enriquez and discuss the history of how waila music came to be within' the culture of the Tohono O'odham. Tune in as we exchange stories on how waila music was started within' our own families. Date recorded: February 2017

Date Recorded: November 2016

This episode shares live audio from the Waila Contest event on the University of Arizona campus. This event was hosted by the Tohono O'odham Student Association (TOSA) that featured live waila music from bands such as South Image, Pick Up Kings, and Native Creed. I was invited out to be a judge for the waila competition which consisted of three categories. There to MC the event was Teresa Choyguha, a native comedian and tribal member of the Tohono O'odham Nation. I also interview members of TOSA, who share their overall experiences on what it took to plan this entire event!Date Recorded: November 2016

In this episode we feature tribal member Andrew Pedro who discusses concerns about the proposed South Mountain Loop 202 Freeway which was scheduled to be constructed on/near a mountain sacred to the O'odham and Piipaash. The threat of removing ancestral remains, objects, and desecrating sacred sites is what most concerned tribal members. The camp was set up to gather and prayer during this time. Not long after tribal leadership forced community members to close down the camp since there was no proper process to get a permit to have the camp site in the area. Unfortunately, since the recording of this interview South Mtn Loop 202 was constructed and is now a full-fledged busy highway. Local tribes such as the Gila River Indian Community and Tohono O'odham Nation along with the Inter Tribal Alliance for Arizona (ITAC), supported and fought in court to try and stop the proposed highway. Also, during preparing for building of the highway, ancestral remains were removed from various sites on the South Mountain, petroglyphs on rocks have been moved in different areas, and objects found were either left untouched or removed for further study/out of harms way. Recorded: October 2016

An event focused on what activism looks like in Indian Country from the past to the present. The event featured special guests, speakers, and performers. Present by Native Eyes Showcase, the event which featured two films titled "The Activist" and "Rebel Music: Native America 7th Generation Rises." Following the two films was a panel discussion which featured Della Warrior, Selso Villegas. Tune to hear more interested facts, discussions, and youth voices during the Native Youth Activism Think Tank.Recorded: September 2016

Special guest Amy Juan discusses the importance of carrying on Tohono O'odham himdag (way of life). Recorded: August 2016

In this interview I cover Shining Soul's latest CD titled "Politics Aside" released September 2016. The Arizona Rap duo that includes, Bronze Candidate, MC. Liaizon, and DJ Reflekshin based in Phoenix, Arizona.Recorded: July 2016

Featuring Joshua Garcia, Tohono O'odham tribal member. Together we discuss the fifteen integrated fixed towers proposed to go up alongside the border within' the Chukut District and Gu'vo District on the Tohono O'odham Nation. Josh and I also cover the draft of the Environmental Assessment and the major threats that could forever impact the future of the plant and animal life as well as O'odham way of life as well. Recorded July 2016

In this live interview Stevie Vavages shares his life's experiences as a waila musician and how everything came to be. Personally, he is a close relative of mine and we share so many good memories of our up bringing experiencing a childhood within' the waila music. Today, Stevie is a successful bajo player, traveling with bands such as JR Gomez, Max Baca, etc. within' the Tejano music scene in Texas.Recorded July 2016