FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2025
PHOENIX –On January 28, 2025, the Arizona State Legislative Indigenous Peoples Caucus elected Senator Sally Ann Gonzales (District 20) to serve as chair, and Representative Brian Garcia (District 8) to serve as vice chair this legislature. The IPC Caucus issues the following statement:
Senator Sally Ann Gonzales. Initially elected in 1996, to serve in the House of Representatives, and prior service on the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council, Senator Gonzales has extensive leadership experience in state and tribal governments.
Arizona Senator Sally Ann Gonzales (LD 20), an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe that resides on tribal lands, Senator Gonzales is considered a foremost expert on legislative issues related to children, community development, tribal gaming compacts, healthcare, housing, quality education, tribal governments and economies, and water. Since 2019, Senator Gonzales has served as chair or vice-chair of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus.
Senator Sally Ann Gonzales stated, “I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me to serve as the Indigenous Peoples Caucus Chair for the 57th Legislature. On January 15, 2025, we heard from our Tribal Leaders across the state at our 30th annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day as they voiced their priorities to State lawmakers. We will work diligently on behalf of our constituents and all Indigenous Peoples of Arizona highlighting their water rights, healthcare, education, Indian Child Welfare Act, and Indian Gaming. Our state is home to 22 federally recognized tribes and it my promise to do everything in my power to ensure our tribal communities are valued, supported, and heard at the Arizona Legislature.”
In 2025, Senator Gonzales is one of only five Indigenous Members currently serving in the Arizona State Legislature.
Representative Brian Garcia, a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, added, “I’m grateful to serve alongside our Chair, Senator Gonzales, and with our IPC Caucus members to support our tribal nations. Protecting tribal sovereignty and self-determination is core to the work we do. I’m looking forward to ensuring Arizona is meeting its government-to-government obligations to our tribal nations.”
In addition to the chair and co-chair, the IPC Caucus includes:
· Senator Theresa Hatathlie (LD6)
· Representative Mae Peshlakai (LD6)
· Representative Tsosie (LD6)
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