Vice President Kamala Harris Highlights Indigenous Community Issues and Water Problems

Vice President Kamala Harris made a significant return to Arizona on Thursday as part of the Biden administration's “Investing in America Tour.” She and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff arrived to address the top issues challenging the state's Indigenous communities and visit a water-treatment project in the Gila River Indian Community. There, they were greeted by the esteemed presence of Gila River Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, who led them through a vibrant welcome ceremony replete with soulful performances. The event gained further significance with the attendance of elected leaders from all 22 tribes across Arizona, symbolizing a collective voice for Indigenous representation. During her visit, Harris underscored the administration's dedication to Native communities, emphasizing the importance of upholding trust, treaty obligations, tribal sovereignty, and promoting tribal self-determination. She expressed the belief that the bonds between the United States and Native nations are sacred and deserve safeguarding and strengthening. “I have worked with Native communities my entire career. I Know projects like this are a representation of self-determination and a symbol of sovereignty," Harris said. "President Biden and I also believe that we have a duty to address the deep disparities that persist across Indian countries. Disparities that are the result of centuries of broken treaties, harmful assimilation policies, displacement, dispossession and violence," she added. VP Harris wants all Native people to have a chance to thrive. Highlighting the administration's financial support, Harris announced a $500 million investment dedicated to assisting Native American businesses. This commitment aims to foster economic growth and prosperity within Native communities across the country. “Our administration, President Biden and I, have invested more than $500 million in Native entrepreneurs and small businesses,” VP Harris said. She continued and called for the upholding of trust and treaty obligations, while rallying support for crucial voting rights acts such as the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act. Derek Thomas, a member of the Gila River Indian Community praised the positive impact of the administration's efforts on the community, stating that it has instilled hope for a brighter future. A significant aspect of her agenda centered around a crucial water-treatment project in the Gila River Indian Community. Earlier this year, the community successfully secured federal funding, including an impressive $83 million allocation from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. This substantial financial support will be instrumental in the implementation of a transformative pipeline system, connecting the reservation to the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project Facility. The primary objective of this ambitious endeavor is two-fold: conserving water resources and ensuring long-term sustainability so that they no longer have to turn to the Colorado River. Harris acknowledged the impact of climate change on Native communities and emphasized the importance of involving Native knowledge and experience in developing lasting solutions. “Native peoples have served as responsible stewards of our environment for millennia, and in order to create enduring solutions to the climate crisis, we must then rely on the knowledge and the experience of Native communities,” Harris said. The vice president's visit to the Gila River Indian Community Tribe served as a powerful symbol of the Biden administration's commitment to strengthening ties with Native communities, addressing their needs, and promoting sustainable and inclusive development. By shining a spotlight on critical issues, highlighting ongoing investments, and steadfastly upholding the principles of tribal sovereignty and equitable development, the visit reinforced the administration's unwavering commitment to forging a stronger future for all.