PHOENIX — Hundreds of people from nearly two dozen Native American tribes and communities across Arizona came together at the state capitol Wednesday for the 29th Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day.
The event allows not only for a celebration of the culture but also for tribal leaders to address the state legislature concerning issues their communities face.
"Whether you're a big tribe or a small tribe, we still have our same problems," Robert Miguel, chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, said during his address to the joint protocol session.
Water, affordable housing and the effect fraudulent sober living facilities have had on Native communities were among topics brought up by tribal leaders addressing the legislature.
Hualapai Tribe Chairwoman Sherry Parker shared how housing is desperately needed for her community, in addition to more funding to help repair and upkeep current units.
Parker also shared how the fraudulent sober living homes have affected her family.
"I had a little nephew that was placed in one of these homes and he died because they let him out and they found him behind Walmart and he had taken fentanyl," Parker said during the joint protocol session.
Both Parker and Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier credited the state for taking some action to stop the fraudulent rehabilitation homes.
However, the spotlight on the issue hasn't fixed everything.
"We get reports every month about the statistics and people are still missing or living out there," Parker told 12News.
Harvier said the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is expected to complete construction on a 50-bed residential treatment facility, in addition to other measures.
"I think it's important for tribes to be able to operate those services or utilize those funds and somehow their membership go through programs set up on the community and maybe place them in these facilities," Harvier said.
When it comes to what would help, both Harvier and Parker said it's funding for rehabilitation services on tribal lands that could make a difference.
"I know that there's some Native American rehabs that are very effective because culture-wise, we need those places that understand our culture, understand our traditions, in order to heal and get better," Parker said. "So I would hope the state would invest in those resources for us and work with us."
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