Overview
The Governor's Office on Tribal Relations, in cooperation with representatives from the State's Tribal Nations, annually facilitates an Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day on Wednesday of the first week of each regular legislative session.
Invitations are extended to each member of the state legislature, Governor and other elected officials to pay tribute to the history and culture of the American Indian peoples and their contributions to the prosperity and cultural diversity of the United States.
The day begins with a Joint-Protocol Session hosted by either the House of Representatives or Senate with floor privileges extended to tribal leaders to join their representative(s) during the session. The session traditionally begins with a posting of the colors, pledge of allegiance, invocation, brief comments from both the Senate President and Speaker of the House and features a keynote address by a Tribal Leader. Followed by activities and discussions between state and Indian Nations and tribal leaders on issues of common interest.
Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative day is not a legal holiday.
For more general information regarding Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day
Contact the GOTR office at 602-542-4426
Email: [email protected]
For more information regarding sponsorship and exhibitors information contact, Cissimarie Juan.
Phone: 602-542-4426
Email: [email protected]
2026 INTLD Agenda
9:30 AM | Community Resource Fair: Senate Lawn
11:00 AM | Joint-Protocol Session: Arizona House of Representatives
Welcome Remarks
- Hon. Steve Montenegro, Speaker of the House
Opening Prayer
- Robert Stone (Gila River Indian Community)
Presentation of the Colors
- Tohono O’odham Women Veterans
National Anthem
Pledge of Allegiance
- Sialik King (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community), Miss Indian Arizona
Opening Remarks
- Hon. Steve Montenegro, Speaker of the House
- Hon. Warren Petersen, President of the Senate
Tribal Nations Address
- Hon. Timothy Williams, Chairman, Fort Mojave Tribe
- Hon. Verlon Jose, Chairman, Tohono O’odham Nation
Poetry Reading
- Dr. Laura Tohe (Diné)
Closing Remarks
- Hon. Steve Montenegro, Speaker of the House
12:30 PM | Community Luncheon: House Lawn
- Lunch provided by Emerson Fry Bread
- Entertainment by Gertie and the T.O. Boyz (Tohono O’odham Nation)
1:30 PM | Youth Breakout Session: House Lawn
Tribal-State Civic Engagement
- Youth Council representatives from several tribes and organizations will host a roundtable discussion on the importance of civic engagement and offer insight into the legislative process of transforming an idea into law.