Since 1962, the Arizona Town Hall has brought together communities across the state to resolve complex policy issues through intentional problem solving and engaged dialog. It is the oldest and largest event in the state, focusing on public-private collaboration, and Native Nations Institute was honored to contribute to this year’s 113^th annual town hall. Executive Director Joan Timeche (Hopi), Research Director Miriam Jorgensen, and Healthy Choice Arizona Tribal Liaison Holly Figueroa (Hopi/Ohkay Owingeh Tribe) were invited to contribute a tribal perspective to the background report, “Creating Vibrant Communities.”

Their chapter, “The Role of Tribes and Tribal Relations in Creating a More Vibrant Arizona,” not only demonstrates that the 22 Native nations that share geography with Arizona are integral to the vibrancy of Arizona communities but that “the vitality of Arizona’s Native people also depends on state, local, and organization leaders making decisions that support and sustain tribes.” Readers will find the chapter an essential overview and statistical reference on Arizona’s federally recognized tribes and guidance for those interested in cultivating or strengthening meaningful collaboration with tribes.

On December 3^rd, Timeche spoke on the panel at The Pathway to Creating Vibrant Communities with other authors from Arizona Town Hall’s Background Report.