FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2023
Peshlakai to Lead Indigenous Peoples Caucus, Gonzales Elected Vice Chair
PHOENIX- Representative Mae Peshlakai has been elected to lead the Arizona Legislature's Indigenous Peoples Caucus. Peshlakai is a freshman lawmaker from Cameron on the Navajo Nation. Senator Sally Ann Gonzales of Tucson, a member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, was elected Vice Chair. Arizona has one of largest indigenous population in the United States with 22 federally recognized tribes.
"I'm honored and happy to be chosen for this important role, and I will do my best to represent our Indigenous people well," Chairwoman Peshlakai said. "I know in my district we have eight different tribal lands, and 22 tribes across the state. We are all working to improve education, access to water, the quality of our roads and better healthcare for our people. This caucus has to be a voice for all Indigenous people and rural Arizonans across the state, so that is my goal."
Vice Chair Gonzales added, "I am honored to be elected to serve as the Vice Chair of the IPC during the 56th Legislature. I look forward to working with our sovereign tribes and the Hobbs Administration to solve critical issues facing our communities ranging from water to gaming to healthy tribal economies."
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