Cultivating Indigenous Voices

In this interview Famous Ones talk about their unique blend of sound and style that consists of a trio of brothers Chad, Carl, and AJ Flores and their neighbor friend Jaize Puffer all from the San Lucy community on the Tohono O’odham Nation, which rests on the boundary of the small town of Gila Bend, Arizona. The multi-genre band making it happen not just with playing in a band but also making bold business moves that range from a hot sauce brand to a clothing line and to having their own DJ production company. This interview is a portion of the Locals Only live studio session that happened on March 10th, where Famous Ones played live over the airwaves that included an interview with yours truly Lady T. Pictured from left to right Jaize, Carl, AJ, and Chad Their creative hustle is an inspiring story with 30+ albums already released and many more on the way! Their willingness to push boundaries and experiment is a sign of a band that’s constantly seeking growth, both as artists and as individuals. Beyond their musical talents, Famous Ones is also committed to giving back to the community to which they regularly participate in local community events, and collaborate with youth programs to inspire young artists. Tune in to the conversation to hear more about their creative process, album ideas, and connecting and doing collabs with other artists that adds to their musical growth. This type of networking has opened doors for new opportunities, gigs, and projects.

In this episode I feature student and musician Emilio Vavages (Tohono/Akimel O’odham). I wanted the share the story and experiences of a young person’s perspective about being a student musician, so I decided why not bring in my nephew Emilio. Emilio is thirteen year’s old and a student at Apollo Middle School in the Sunnyside School District. He started taking orchestra in the 4th grade playing the violin and has since then progressed as a musician and is now playing alongside his own father Eligio V. in his family’s band. Emilio also enjoys subjects such as English, Language, and Social Studies, is a participant in a program that teaches students carpentry work, and a part of the Leadership program at his school. With the support of his family Emilio continues to thrive in class getting student of the month in the past several months. Emilio says his musical influence is inspired from his family, but I say it’s naturally in him as it runs in his blood. His great-grandfather Lester V. Vavages played the violin for decades, as well as the guitar, vihuela, bass, etc. Lester passed the music down to his boys, who are Emilio’s grandfather’s, and known as Thee Express waila band from the Tohono O’odham Nation. Sherman Institute yearbook 1952 Picture of Lester V. Vavages, Emilio’s great-grandfather. Photo courtesy of T. Vavages-Andrew. During Emilio’s musical journey playing his primary instrument the violin, he is a part of the Sunnyside School District Honors Orchestra Program. He is also a part of his family’s band called the Vavages Family Band playing the violin, percussion, and cowbell and has performed live on-air at KXCI Community Radio during the 2024 Sonic Solstice event. With all his success there is still plenty more things he wants to do in life, one thing being a powerlifter. Tune in to this short interview to hear more details! Photo by Kathleen Dreier Photography Ep. 38 Student Musician graphic created T. Andrew

In this episode I feature Native Tucsonan, Veteran Actor, and Comic Creator Jon Proudstar (Yoeme, Mexican, Jewish). Beyond the screen Jon wrote and created a one of a kind comic called Tribal Force, which is the first all Native super hero comic in the history of the U.S. The comic was created by Jon with the help from Chris Williams (pencils), Jake Isenburg (inks), Gene (colors and lettering), and Jesse Hernandez (artwork). Tribal Force comic created by Jon Proudstar Growing up in Tucson, Jon spent his childhood drawn to television and comic books as a source of entertainment and while in high school he got a small taste of being in the entertainment industry. Jon and a buddy of his both loved a lot of the same things, and one thing they wanted was to be a part of the local radio scene. Together they found a way to get their foot in the door of radio, by catching up with a local DJ Cheryl Cruz, host of “The Cruise Control” show, and insisting on helping her with her records during her live shows. It was then that they made frequent visits to help her out and soon she began to teach them and gave them hands on experience working the mics, playing music, and working the board. It was how Jon got connected to KXCI those many years ago. KXCI Staff group photo with Jon Proudstar. Taken December 2024. As Jon began expanding his natural abilities to go after what he wanted, he first began taking acting classes in high school and immediately got the attention of the Drama teacher who recognized his talent for acting after he participated in an improvs scene and encouraged him to run with it. During his early years Jon started as an extra before landing bigger roles in film and TV. One memory Jon tells so well during the interview is the time when the film Young Guns II was in Tucson and he was a stand in photo double for Lou Diamond Phillips. Over his career as an actor Jon has been featured in films and television shows such as Walker, Texas Ranger, Border Warz, Dude Vision, Last Stop in Yuma County, and the Hulu series Reservation Dogs. The series Reservation Dogs was a massive breakthrough for Native film into mainstream media and television. It is a series that connected so many people worldwide and showcased the talents of many Native/Indigenous actors, directors, writers etc. who have been in the film industry for many years as well as the younger generation of Native actors today. Graphic by T. Andrew

Diné singer/songwriter Hataałii (pronounced: hah – toth – lee) visited Tucson in October 2024 as the opener for the Katie Pruit show at Club Congress. Born Hataałiinez Wheeler, he grew up on the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, Arizona and began experimenting with music during his teenage years. Now Hataalii is an artist signed to Dangerbird records and just released his second album titled, “Waiting for a Sign.” Since 2019 Hataałii has self-released projects, so technically this would be his sixth album released. During the live in-studio session on The Home Stretch show, we invited Hataałii and band mate Jacob ,who plays the steel guitar, to perform a short set and interview live over the airwaves. The following day he and Jacob arrived to our Armory Park studio for an interview on Cultivating Indigenous Voices. Hataałii shared what his musical journey has been like, and that some of his current work includes lyrics, songs, stories, that he wrote when he was a teenager. As I reflect on our conversation one thing that stood out to me was his enigmatic personality and subtle hints of laughter which you can hear in the interview. Hataalii and band mate Jacob performing a live in-studio session at KXCI’s Congress Studio in down town Tucson, AZ. Photo by T. Andrew. Hataalii standing in the CD vault at KXCI Armory Park Studios in Tucson, AZ. Photo by T. Andrew. Episode graphic created by T. Andrew

In this episode I sat down with KXCI’s very own Nenny G of the Latin Connection show which broadcasts Wednesday nights 8pm-10pm. Off air Nenny G is known as Gwen Hernandez; as you tune in you will hear stories of her child hood and all the musical influences that surrounded her in various stages of her life. But, what laid the foundation of musical interests and expression was the memories she spent with both her maternal and paternal grandparents. Gwen recalls spending time after school with her paternal Grandmother Guadalupe, who would pull out old records and other forms of music and play them as they enjoyed listening together. Here is a photo of her paternal grandparents Juan Hernandez Sr. (left) and Guadalupe (right). Circa 1940s-1950s. Photo courtesy of Gwen H. Photo of both Gwen’s grandmothers Josepha Perez (left) and Guadalupe (right). Photo courtesy of Gwen H. Gwen also delves in deeper in sharing a little more family history of her maternal grandmother Josepha Perez, who migrated to the United States in search of more for her future. Her grandmother Josepha was a hard worker, who settled in the Southern part of Arizona and helped build a loving foundation for her growing family. Another person who influenced the family musically was her late father Juan Hernandez Jr., who was also a musician. Gwen talked about so many fun memories of her and her siblings singing together alongside their father. Photo of Juan Hernandez Jr. (Gwen’s father) and baby Gwen aka Nenny G. Photo courtesy of Gwen H. Photo of Gwen (right) and sister (left) together singing at home. Photo courtesy of Gwen H. Photo of Gwen’s father, Juan Hernandez Jr. holding a guitar. Photo courtesy of Gwen H. Photo of Gwen’s father, Juan Hernandez Jr. playing keyboard. Photo courtesy of Gwen H. I listened with such big imagination that took me places and made me feel inspired as Gwen shared details about her life story and about where she is now in her life. As the host of the Latin Connection show the music and educational experience you get from the show, you see why this radio program is a favorite for many! Tune in now to learn all about Nenny G’s life experiences and how she got into radio broadcasting. You can also learn about the true meaning behind her DJ name. A teenage Nenny G listening to her cassettes in the early 90s. Photo courtesy of Gwen H. Nenny G and her late father Juan Hernandez Jr. Photo courtesy of Gwen H. Graphic created by T. Andrew

Over the past months I had the opportunity to interview and see two live performance by Jaime De Anda here in Tucson, AZ. As a kid growing up in the nineties I remember hearing Jaime’s music and his popularity amongst the O’odham community on the Tohono O’odham Nation. Over the year’s many waila bands have been inspired by his musical talent as an accordionist and have covered some of his most popular songs. In this episode I feature conjunto icon Jaime De Anda, known for his expansive accordion skills, and hype performances. During this in-depth conversation Jaime shares how at the age of 4 he was already showing his curiosity and interest to play music. He first began playing around in his dads mechanic shop drumming to the beat of music playing on the radio. As he went back in time and talked about traveling with his father who played the bajo sexto and played gigs on the weekends, all the while growing an attraction to the sounds and rhythms of conjunto music. By age 7 with the support and encouragement of his parents, Jaime was the drummer for his father’s band and by age 9 Jaime had developed into a full blown musician passionate about learning the accordion, he turned to his dad’s compadre Chema Sanchez. Jaime’s first polka he learned on accordion was Tony De La Rosa’s “Atotonilco.” As a fast learner and truly natural musician he quickly advanced in playing the accordion fluctuating between the dynamics of polkas, rancheras, cumbias, and boleros. By the time Jaime was a teenager he was in a family band called Las Estrellas de Houston with mostly male relatives, that included his Father Raul De Anda. By age 15 during their first recording Raul decided to change the band name to Los Chamacos de Raul De Anda. Tune in to hear the full conversation and hear Jaime’s musical journey as he traversed through the his own growth as a musician, while learning to overcome some of life’s unexpected challenges. Jaime De Anda performing live at the AVA Amphitheater in South Tucson AZ. Photo by T. Andrew Jaime De Anda on accordion performing live at the AVA Amphitheater in Tucson AZ. Photo by T. Andrew Stevie Ray Vavages playing Bajo Sexto. Photo by T. Andrew Pictured right Tina Andrew and left Jaime De Anda back stage holding accordions belonged to Jaime. Pictured left Jaime De Anda and right Tina Andrew holding mic during an interview with Jaime backstage. Graphic created by T. Andrew. Episode 34 Conjunto Icon.

Culturally based recovery programs render a space to reconnect with traditional ways and cultural roots by rebuilding cultural identity and spiritual support systems. In this episode I feature staff from the The Haven’s Native Ways Program. It was developed by, and is staffed with, professionals with backgrounds in the local Indigenous cultures and includes the teachings of White Bison Wellbriety Movement. The long term aim is to help women heal from substance use disorders through their culture and traditions. The Haven Native Ways Program capitalizes on Indigenous communities’ strengths and resilience and provides historical trauma-informed care. By developing cultural knowledge and spiritual identity, the program promotes healthy behaviors. Native Ways offers Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Treatment with Recovery Housing, as well as alumnae programming. The program has grown in recent years, and in 2022, The Haven hired a Native and Indigenous Service Manager to elevate the program and make sure it has the resources needed for best practices. In April 2023, The Haven’s largest Recovery House was dedicated to the Native Ways Program, doubling its bed capacity from 6 to 12. I had the privilege of sitting with staff from The Haven as they shared their roles in the program as well sharing a little of their background. Natividad Cano, LISAC, ADS, is a Mexican Native and has been working in the substance use disorder field since 1989. She has been at The Haven since 2007 and is currently the Cultural Educator for the Native Ways Program. She previously worked for 8 years on the border of Arizona and Northern Mexico for Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS) in Douglas and Bisbee, AZ, 5 years with GFS (Gateway Foundation Services) working in a state prison setting with female inmates, and 10 years in a private practice with her late husband working with under-served Spanish-speaking populations. Nati is active in the community, collaborating with other agencies in promoting culturally appropriate, gender-specific and age-specific programs. She is on the Board of Wings for Women whose mission is to empower women to break the cycle of hopelessness and lead healthy and productive lives and is a member for the Red Road to Wellbriety Celebration Committee promoting and celebrating wellness and sobriety in Indian Country. Nati enjoys volunteering, cooking, reading, and spending time with her children, grand-daughters, and her 7 siblings and their families. For the past 8 years Nati has participated in the Migrant Trail, a 70 mile walk from the Mexico/USA border in Sasabe, Sonora to Tucson, AZ to remember the men, women, and children who have died while crossing the desert. Tracy Aleksic is an internationally accredited yoga therapist, master yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience, and an educational provider. She was the CEO of Radiant Centre and hosts annual international wellness retreats. Tracy has manualized two yoga teacher training programs, formed an accredited school, and traveled worldwide studying various spiritual and cultural traditions. Recently, she became AZ Acupuncture Board Certified in AcuWellness 5NP. Tracy began her career working in mental health and has always felt a strong calling to help individuals cultivate compassion and heal trauma through alternative healing modalities. In 2022, she moved to Tucson with her family and began working for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe under Sewa Uusim as a yoga therapist and relaxation specialist. She facilitated workplace wellness presentations to the providers and staff and created community events for the diabetes prevention program. Her love and respect for this resilient Indigenous community is boundless. Tracy is motivated to continue helping people heal through cultural connections, collaborating with Native and Indigenous communities, build...

In April 2024 I had the opportunity alongside my colleague Elva, to attend the annual Native Broadcast Summit in Phoenix, Arizona. The Summit is Native Public Media’s largest gathering of Tribal and Indigenous broadcasters and media professionals serving Indian Country. The theme “Globalizing Indigenous Storytelling” acknowledges that Native broadcast stations play an essential role in promoting the safety, sovereignty, and stability of Native communities, providing a platform for media creation, community news, civic engagement, and emergency services for predominately rural and remote tribal lands. This has been my third time attending the summit in the past few years and every time I’ve attended its a great experience meeting new people and catching up with past attendees. During the summit I was excited to meet Shawn Spruce (Laguna Pueblo) who is the host of Native America Calling, which is a nationally syndicated show that focuses on national conversations about topics and issues specific to Native communities. Shawn was a speaker on a panel titled, “Koahnic Broadcast Corporation | Cultural Crossroads: Expanding Audiences Through Inclusive Storytelling,” which also featured Antonia Gonzales, Managing Editor & Host and Producer of National Native News, and Alexis Sallee, Indigefi Filmmaker & Radio Host of Indigefi. He also shared another perspective as a presenter on the topic of financial literacy, which is also a part of his professional career. I also got to spend some one on one time with Clarice Chiago-Jones (Akimel O’odham) who is a board member of Native Public Media and who is the Executive Director of the Gila River Broadcast Corporation (GRBC). The mission of GRBC is to be the source to which community members and tribal departments can turn to for information and entertainment through programs that will educate the public, enhance awareness and share the history, culture, and realities of Gila River and other Native Americans. Here is a short form version of the interview: https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/06-20-24-to-07-04-24-CultivatingIV-MMIR.mp3 A fun photo of Elva (left) and Tina (right) during the Native Broadcast Summit Cultivating Indigenous Voices, Ep. 32 Tribal Soundscapes featuring Shawn Spruce and Clarice Chiago-Jones

On April 11th and 12th, 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the first national conference called, The U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance Summit hosted at the Casino Del Sol – Conference Area. I learned that Indigenous Data Sovereignty is, “To recognize Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights to access, use, and steward data critical for effective governance, and to govern those data according to their own values, principles, and practices.” The purpose of the summit was to convene Indigenous leaders, Indigenous community programs, academics, policy experts, and other data actors and rights holders from across the nation, both in person and virtually, to develop guidance around appropriate data governance structures that support Indigenous Peoples’ own Indigenous Data Sovereignty initiatives. While at this summit I learned about so many topics and ways Indigenous people across the world are thinking critically about data in their own communities and how they are utilizing it in beneficial ways. In this episode you will hear two short interviews that feature two Indigenous women who presented their work and shared their experiences working in data. The first interview features Kirikowhai Mikaere (Te Arawa – Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue) from New Zealand, who is a leading Māori data and information specialist focused on harnessing information to empower indigenous community development. She is a consultant with over 20 years’ experience advising Ministers, government agencies, tribal, community and private sector organizations with practical statistical analysis and innovative place-based data solutions. The second short interview features Shania Kee (Diné – Navajo) from Pinon, Arizona. She is a Junior Law Library Fellow at the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library, pursuing an M.A. in Library and Information Science at the University of Arizona’s iSchool. During the summit Shania presented on her work titled, “SAAD EÍ DATA: Formalizing the Indigenous Data Sovereignty Movement within the Navajo Nation Legal System, A Comparison to the Māori’s Data Governance Model.”

Photo of Lourdes Escalante standing by KXCI Community Radio sign in front of the radio station Lourdes Escalante (Yoeme) was born and raised in Tucson and is the Executive Director of the Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras, Indigenous Alliance Without Borders (AISF). At a young age Lourdes pushed herself, with the support of her dad, to take opportunities for growth, which also meant a greater chance for success while also finding it in unfamiliar places. South Tucson was always home, and still is; it’s a place that is rooted in the work she does today working for a community that focuses on protecting indigenous rights, educating, and promoting action when those rights are threated and/or violated. Lourdes’ community work helps bring people of all walks of life together to learn from one another, provide space for individuals and groups that supports their work, and being a resource for Native/Indigenous folks. Her work is also shaped and defined by a great team of people, volunteers, community, and partnerships. A term I learned from Lourdes during our interview was, “Rematriation,” which is a word used to describe how indigenous women are restoring balance to the world by intertwining traditional and cultural knowledge back in accord with the land. This leads towards steps of healing ourselves and the natural world. Created by Tina Andrew

Photo of Annamarie Stevens, Career Readiness & Employment Program Coordinator, American Indian College Fund In episode 29, I feature special guest Annamarie Stevens who is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. She is from the community of Tecolote located in the Chukut-kuk District. She is the current Career Readiness and Employment Program Administrator for the American Indian College Fund. She was also the Transition Coordinator for Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC) for the past four years. She collaborated with UArizona Southwest Environmental Health Science Center on A Student’s Journey. The program was designed to increase degree attainment for native students and to create a sense of belonging on a university campus. She has overseen a grant from American Indian College Fund to Improve College and Career Readiness for TOCC community and the local high school. Annamarie is a first-generation college graduate; she has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Arizona and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a focus on Community College from Northern Arizona University. She has been in Higher Education for 20 years in her community, and it has shaped her passion for working with native students and providing access to college. Annamarie belongs to the grassroots organization Indivisible Tohono that focuses on voting and civil engagement. She seats on the board at Baboquivari Unified School District. Helpful Links: American Indian College Fund – Career Readiness & Employment AICF – Career Pathways AICF – Student Resources

Maegan Lopez (Tohono O’odham) is from the village of Wecij Oidag (New Fields) on the Tohono O’odham Nation near the southern border. She is a gardener and Cultural Outreach Liaison for Mission Garden located at the base of “A” mountain along the Santa Cruz wash. Maegan shares memories of her childhood, as early as four years old helping water the plants with her grandfather Albert Lopez (bat) who was a dedicated gardener and loved caring for his oidag (garden). Continuing the cultural and educational experiences she was taught as a child and throughout her upbringing Maegan found a place that helped center and ground her. Finding familiarity at Mission Garden, she now has been there for five years and enjoys working with the community. Here is a short form interview with Maegan Lopez: https://kxci.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/02-18-24-to-03-02-24-CultivatingIV-Maegan-Lopez.mp3 Photo of Maegan Lopez at Mission Garden Photo courtesy of Meagen L. Episode promo flyer

Episode 27 features Tucson based rap duo ¡Los Indios!, who released their EP album titled "Born Again Savage" in December 2023. Tayamni aka PUMA CHILD and Chetan aka AKII WENSII are two brothers who come from the Ojibwe and Oglala Lakota communities. Their energy is fresh, inspiring, and stands out of the crowd. Listening to their music and lyrics is a learning experience for many as they tell their truths, struggles, and bring forth the challenges and historical traumas the Native/Indigenous communities have and may still be enduring. I was happy to have them in the studio with me to share their musical journey, influences, and much more! Since the release of their EP album they gained some traction, fans, and recognition near and far. Just this month their album made it on MIJENTE's Top 25 Albums del 2023 and Most Anticipated PA' 2024 list. During the interview they discuss what the journey was like creating the album, while doing it DIY style recording from home in their living room. They also share where their inspiration comes from, which I sensed starts with their parents, who they respectfully credit for involving them in their culture, encouraging learning and engaging them in traditional values such as storytelling, singing, dancing, ceremony, etc. They stay true to their indigenous identities, while navigating through a western world where for many Native/Indigenous people would agree it's like living and balancing two worlds. Keeping the momentum of the success of their EP album, "Born Again Savage," they are currently working on putting together an entire album, which I anticipate to be just as successful! Here is a short form interview with ¡Los Indios!:

This episode features local book author Gabriela Maya Bernadett (Tohono O'odham/African American). In 2023 Maya published her first book titled, "Stories My Grandmother Told Me." It is a recollection of stories told to Maya and her younger sister by their grandmother Esther Small-Poncho. Esther grew up in Harlem, New York with her family and it was the year 1949 when Esther saw a flyer posted at the local library in Harlem advertising a teacher's position based in Arizona to teach Native American children. Maya's descriptive storytelling tells specific details of different time periods her grandmother and ancestors lived through. She tells the story from her grandmother Esther's perspectives and real life experiences growing up in the mid-1920s to present day. The book also details recollections of Maya's ancestors who lived through slavery and the dangers that lurked during that time. Reading the book I also appreciated the vivid stories of old O'odham ways of living. Part of the story takes place at a school on the Tohono O'odham Nation, which is a Native reservation just west of Tucson/Three Points and one of the local tribes whose people have thrived on these lands throughout Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico since time immemorial. It was the same school I went to as an elementary kid in the 90s and is still in operation this present day. Also, included in this episode is a short reading by author Gabriela Maya Bernadette, sharing parts of the first chapter and a recorded introduction by Esther Small-Poncho. I love that the story created itself in my head, I could picture things, people, and places, because how well written the story is. In 2023 Maya had a book signing and reading; making it a local event. I don't want to give away too much details, but just know this is a story that, "explores culture, race, and chosen family, set against the backdrop of the twentieth-century American Southwest." What I enjoyed most about the book is how much I related to it and learning about a time period that was much different than today's. The book is available online, in local libraries and in bookstores. I hope you enjoy reading the book when you get a copy, as well as listening to her story on this episode of a true story of true events about a multicultural journey from Harlem to Tohono O'odham.

In this interview I had the opportunity to set up an interview with Max Baca through a close connection of mine, via my cousin Stevie Ray Vavages. Max was in town in September 2023 with his band the Los Texmaniacs for the Tejano Conjunto Showcase at the AVA Amphitheater. It was an exciting experience for me to have access back stage and on-stage during their performance. I also spent time in their dressing room where I got to meet various band members including the infamous Flaco Jimenez of Texas Tornados! I was grateful that Max took the time to sit down with me for an interview to talk about his musical journey from a young boy playing alongside his dad, to leading his own band Los Texmaniacs to winning a Grammy Award for Tejano Album of the Year in 2010. He tells stories of playing in his dad's band on the Laguna reservation where they enjoyed the music called chicken scratch. Back in the 90s chicken scratch was the popular term for the dance music played by O'odham, today it is referred to as Waila music. Max also shares a story about the time he and Texas Tornados got to play at Bill Clinton's Inaugural Ball in the early 90s. Later that night I returned to the AVA and watched them perform live while standing on the stage sidelines, it was an awesome time! I absolutely enjoyed hearing all his stories that reminded so much of my own family's musical stories. I hope you enjoy and thanks for tuning in! You can also listen to the short form interview with Max Baca here:

In episode 24, I had the opportunity to interview and get to know Chicano artist Ruben Urrea Moreno. Born and raised in South Tucson, Ruben embraces storytelling that focus on his cultural roots, social issues, and migrant stories. His artistic skills go beyond a paint brush and pencil, Ruben currently works as the Senior Exhibit Preparator at the Arizona State Museum. He tells the story of how he got the position and how it relates to his work history in carpentry and other trades. A big part of his job is designing and constructing special museum fixtures, putting up temporary walls and partitions, installing and arranging exhibits, all of which require some type of artistic element(s). I enjoyed listening to all his short stories from his humbling beginnings with his Nana and the artistic outlet she provided for him as a child. I learned more about his involvement in the Arizona State Museum Exhibition Series titled, "They Don't Love You, Like I Love You: Indigenous Perspectives on Sovereignty," which includes stories from the Tohono O'odham, Hia-Ced O'odham, Pascua Yaqui, Gila River and Salt River Communities. One story in particular that Ruben tells is how he reimagined and what the inspiration was behind his creation of a visual image of what I'itoi (Elder Brother) of the O'odham would look like. There is little to no known illustrations of what I'itoi looks like when searching online or trying to look into books, magazines, etc. Ruben designed the idea of what he felt I'itoi would look like based off of descriptive stories of I'itoi that he heard from the O'odham. There is so much more to this conversation, so I hope you enjoy and learn more about Ruben as an individual and as an artist. You can also listen to the short form interview with Ruben Urrea Moreno here.

In this episode I invited Kateri Harris (Tohono O'odham) to the studio to talk about the work she does in the community as the Domestic Violence Advocate for the Domestic Violence Prevention Program at the Tucson Indian Center located in downtown Tucson. Her work surrounds providing support for individuals dealing with domestic violence situations, while helping assist clients who are in need of services such as in-take support, case management, transportation for appointments, assistance with protection orders, resources for domestic violence classes, etc. The grant program she is currently working on also provides opportunity to develop programs and activities with youth and elders to learn more about domestic violence. Kateri is also a part of the Community Coordinated Response Team, which is a group that works on certain events and meets on a monthly basis to bring awareness for domestic violence, sexual assault, missing and murdered indigenous, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, child maltreatment, are examples of a number of topics this group is tackling and working on to provide information and understanding to the community. During our conversation Kateri opened up about her family history and her journey as a young woman to her career experiences that eventually led her to fulfill her ultimate dream which was to join the United States Marine Corps. She talks about her grandfather Frank Harris (bat) born April 08, 1925 - Nov. 18, 2010, who served in World War II and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. She remembers his stories he told her about his experiences and the beauty of the landscape. For Kateri, once she joined the Marines she showed interest in also being stationed in Okinawa, and was happy that she had that same opportunity to see it for herself. Tune in to hear more about her journey in the Marines and how she still carries that same purpose to be of service to the people.

Episode 22 explores the topic of what it takes to be a Park Ranger within the National Park Service. Tucson is the only place in the states that has two National Parks situated on the west and east sides; there is a Saguaro Nat'l Park East and West. Special guest Raeshaun Ramon (Tohono O'odham, San Carlos Apache, Hopi-Tewa), who is currently working at Saguaro National Park, shares his experiences as a Park Ranger and his role in creating a safe space for his community (tribal members) to be inspired and welcomed to the park. In this episode we’ll hear Raeshaun talk about his life as a Park Ranger and why his background plays a big part in the work that he does in the community. As a former Park staff, I understand the challenges that come with working within' the National Park Service. Thankfully I was able to create ways to form positive supportive relationships with the local tribal communities, while outreaching to the younger generation of tribal members in the surrounding areas of Tucson. It was nice to find a connection with Raeshaun, to listen and hear about the similar work he is doing and to also provide him with a sense of understanding as someone who was once in his same shoes. Working in the community engagement and outreach division, Reashaun shares not only about reaching out to tribal folks, but also local residents by "brining the park to the people." He and his colleague Park Ranger Juarez spend much of their time in the community, creating spaces that invite people, but also creating ways to make the park more accessible to those who may not get out to the parks much. Here is the mini program version of the interview with Raeshaun Ramon

Environmental identity is defined as, "one part of the way in which people form their self-concept: a sense of connection to some part of the nonhuman natural environment, based on history, emotional attachment, and/or similarity, that affects the ways in which we perceive and act toward the world; a belief that the environment is important to us and an important part of who we are." -Clayton, S. (2003). This concept is based from those physical and non-physical interconnections we experience in life and how we react to those environmental changes. In this episode, guest, Mele Martinez tells her story in a way were one particular thing has become an ongoing story told in variations of experiences that all started with family, food, and culture. I have known Mele for several year's and have followed her work overtime. Born and raised in Tucson, Melani, "Mele" is a Senior Lecturer in the University of Arizona's Writing Program. She has created and developed her self-identity knowingly and unknowingly as an individual, wife, mother, flamenco dancer, storyteller, and an educator. One of the most prominent influences in her life go back generations, before her time, as she records her family's history in a memoir titled "The Molino," which translates to mill; grinding machine. Mele takes a deep dive into her childhood memories, that eventually reveal the power and effect a physical thing can have on one's life. Her stories keep you captivated and invested from beginning to end. Here is the mini program version of the interview with Mele Martinez

I'm excited to announce that after two years of being on hiatus I am finally ready to get back on track with bringing back the podcast show! I'm excited to announce the newest episode featuring Melissa Brown and Mel Dominguez, Co-Owners of Galeria Mitotera, based in the city of South Tucson. South Tucson has many small businesses that thrive around community and Galeria Mitotera is a great example of that. Their mission.... "Galeria Mitotera is a space to celebrate our Chicanx culture, uplift artists of color in the community and create a safe space for community members and artists to inspire one another through art and togetherness." I first met Melissa and Mel last year in October 2022 at a community event, and was absolutely inspired by their willingness to provide, and support folks from the local O'odham/Native community. Since then I was able to spend an afternoon with the two of them in the middle of their shop catching up, sharing laughs, and condolences of our loved ones who had recently passed into the spirit world. It is moments like that, that creates a space where people feel comfortable to express themselves and feel supported through their art, books and literature, fashion, etc. In this episode you will hear personal stories about their upbringing, family, cultural ties, and relationship. It shares another side of the two behind the work of Galeria Mitotera.