Contacts
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Based in Southern Arizona, the Tohono O'odham Young Voices Podcast exists to uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of all O'odham by sharing our stories, perspectives, culture, and creativity. Through...
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Based in Southern Arizona, the Tohono O'odham Young Voices Podcast exists to uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of all O'odham by sharing our stories, perspectives, culture, and creativity. Through authentic conversations and storytelling, we aim to preserve our heritage, inspire future generations, and create a platform of identity, and community connection.
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Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
3 MAR 2026 · In this episode, we explore the journey of finding cultural identity through education, resilience, and community. Joseph Morales is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and is a current student at Arizona State University (ASU).
Our guest shares what it was like growing up mixed — navigating questions of belonging, identity, and connection to culture. Facing moments of disconnection, he found a turning point at tribal college (Tohono O'odham Community College), where he began reconnecting with his roots, his community, and himself. Through the support of Indigenous mentors, peers, and culturally grounded education, he discovered a renewed sense of purpose and pride. That path led him to continue his academic journey at ASU, where he is committed to building Indigenous excellence through higher education and tribal journalism.
This conversation is about more than academics — it’s about reclaiming identity, honoring heritage, and using storytelling as a tool for representation and change. It’s a powerful reminder that reconnecting with culture is a lifelong journey, and education can be a bridge back to who we truly are.
Helpful links:
Joseph Morales journalism portfolio: https://josephmorales.journoportfolio.com/
Gila River Indian Community Newspaper /News:https://www.gricnews.org/
Optional- American Indian College Fund https://collegefund.org/ EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Transcribed
23 DEC 2025 · In this episode, we’re remembering the Gu-Achi Fiddlers with Gerald Leos Sr., the last living member of the group. What made their music so unique is the way it blends traditions from multiple worlds. The Gu-Achi Fiddlers played lively Southwest fiddle tunes that carry clear traces of Mexican folk music—alongside influences from Central European traditions, like polkas and waltzes brought by German and Czech settlers. Over generations, the O’odham hemajkam adopted these imported styles, adding their own rhythms, ornamentation, and community-focused energy. The result is music that is instantly recognizable yet uniquely O’odham—a bridge between cultures, history, and generations.
Gerald shares stories from his life as a musician, reflecting on his time with the Gu-Achi Fiddlers and his experiences playing with other bands, including his own, the Red Feather Band. Also, joined in parts of the conversation is Gerald's wife, Gerry, who is the daughter of Elliot Johnson (baḍ), who played first fiddle and was lead of the Gu-Achi Fiddlers.
This story hits very close to home for me, because my grandfather Lester Vavages (baḍ) played second fiddle in the group. I have so many good memories of hearing the music and time spent with him and my grandmother Annie Vavages (baḍ).
Tune in to the conversation as we take a look back at the music, the memories, and the journey that shaped Gerald's life, where the music is not just entertaining—it’s a living connection to the culture, history, and the O’odham community.
Recorded Feburary 2025 EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Transcribed
25 JUN 2025 · This episode features author Mike Wilson (Tohono O'odham) and co-author Tony Lucero who wrote the book https://uncpress.org/book/9781469675589/what-side-are-you-on/ In our conversation Mike shares pieces of his life story and Tony talks about his interest in not only Mike's experiences, but also the history of the work he's been involved in overtime. Mike spent his childhood in the small town of Ajo, Arizona, which is located northwest of the Tohono O'odham Nation in Southern, AZ. Living throughout the Southern Arizona border, Mike felt a responsibility to provide water stations along the border region on the Tohono O'odham Nation to provide a drinking source for migrants passing through tribal lands to help saves lives. In 2023 Mike played a role in the film https://www.bodegafilms.com/film/the-wall/, as himself; doing the work he's always done inregards to providing water for traveling migrants in the Sonoran desert. In our conversation he also shares stories about O'odham life during the early 1960s when he and his family lived in Tucson, they enjoyed spending time with family and friends listening to live music at the Tucson Indian Center and playing records at a friends house with other O'odham kids. The discussion covered many things from politics, to O'odham lifeways, and music.
Co-Author Tony Lucero, is the Chair and Professor of the Comparative History of Ideas Department at the University of Washington, Seattle. He shares his thoughts about why he became interested in Mike's life story and how the work Mike was doing throughout the border was an important one to share with his own students. Many times Tony invited Mike to be a guest speaker in his classes and it was Tony who suggested to Mike about writing a book!
Since the release of the book Mike and Tony have been on a https://www.latinxproject.nyu.edu/20242025/book-talk-what-side-are-you-on#:~:text=A%20Tohono%20O'odham%20Life%20Across%20Borders%20is%20a%20kind,US%20through%20O'odham%20land., which is where I got to meet them both in person when they presented at the Mission Garden in Tucson just this passed spring. If you are interested in connecting with the guests, you can contac Tony via email at mailto:jal26@uw.edu
Helpful Links:
https://www.latinxproject.nyu.edu/20242025/book-talk-what-side-are-you-on#:~:text=A%20Tohono%20O'odham%20Life%20Across%20Borders%20is%20a%20kind,US%20through%20O'odham%20land.
https://www.jackcentral.org/news/nau-discussion-explores-tohono-o-odham-border-issues/article_9f20fc14-9be6-48aa-9bd7-48fe9c8fe629.html
https://www.washington.edu/globalaffairs/2025/02/28/global-visionaries-tony-lucero/
https://www.theborderchronicle.com/p/from-green-beret-to-border-human
https://azluminaria.org/2024/04/12/tohono-oodham-activist-plays-himself-in-this-new-movie-about-migrants-crossing-the-sonoran-desert/
https://www.bodegafilms.com/film/the-wall/ EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Transcribed
20 NOV 2024 · In this episode we collaborated with University of Arizona Diné law student Divine Kickingbird. Hosted by Bre and Divine, both law students at the University of Arizona, this conversation gives a foundation of the history of the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA). They also shed light on how ICRA intertwines with indigenous journalism, news organizations, and the potential challenges they may face in their quest to provide unbiased, transparent reporting to Native communities. As you tune in you will hear both Bre and Divine lead the conversation while host & producer of Tohono O'odham Young Voices, Tina, sits on the other end of the mic. Tina shares with us the importance of indigenous journalism and how Tohono O'odham Young Voices began. We also include a discussion about the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 as we delve into specifically how freedom of press is affected for native news outlets.
As podcasting has become a growing and popular industry to share content and have dialogue about different topics, many Native/Indigenous individuals and groups are using the platform to share information that is important to them and their communities. For those same reseaons Tina shares her journey into journalism and how ICRA and other legal challenges have shaped her approach to honest and uncensored news reporting. Moreover, the importance that Native voices are in the media.
About the co-host: Divine Kickingbird (she/her) is a law student who describes their upbringing on the Navajo Nation with teachings of the fundamental principles of conservation from their family, elders, and community members as core to their identities and values. Divine Kickingbird is
Hashtl'ishnii and born for Nahiłii. With this podcast episode she hopes to continue to educate others on important indigenous topics.
Sources
https://www.tribal-institute.org/lists/icra.htm
https://www.badpress.film/
https://www.bia.gov/regional-offices/great-plains/self-determination
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/intersecting-laws-tribal-law-and-order-act-and-indian-civil-rights EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Transcribed
13 SEP 2024 · This episode features Lourdes Escalante, Executive Director of https://indigenousalliance.org/ (Indigenous Alliance Without Borders), who is heavily involved in the Tucson community and is a member of the Yoeme (Pascua Yaqui) tribe. The episode starts off with a content warning to address the discussions that include accounts of domestic violence and death which could be traumatic and potentially triggering to some listeners. This thoughtful in-depth conversation addresses the culture of silence, lateral violence,https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/feature-story/2022/11/five-essential-facts-to-know-about-femicide, toxic masculinity, and other factors that contribute to Missing and Murdered Indigneous Relations. Lourdes also gave an overview of the data and statistics from the https://academyforjustice.asu.edu/project/reducing-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-girls/. The conversation leads into spreading awareness about MMIR and best practices to begin to heal as a community, while supporting those directly impacted who have lost a loved one.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking etc. please see the helpful links below.
Helpful resources:
https://emergecenter.org/
https://www.bia.gov/service/mmu
https://www.domesticshelters.org/help/az/sells/85634/tohono-o-odham-nation-komckud-ki-domestic-and-sexual-violence-prevention-program
https://youtu.be/BTVuFZuEQWs?si=l-Ipobe-IXlPbwQQ
https://victimconnect.org/learn/types-of-crime/stalking/
https://helpingsurvivors.org/
Related stories:
https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/murder/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-cases-that-deserve-more-attention#:~:text=Missing%3A%20Ashley%20Loring%20HeavyRunner,seen%20or%20heard%20from%20since.
https://msmagazine.com/2019/11/11/feminicidio-close-to-home-remembering-dr-raquel-padilla-ramos/ EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Explicit
Transcribed
14 MAY 2024 · *Content warning the following contains discussions surrounding experiences with border patrol and graphic descriptions of violence, and even death, that may be triggering, or traumatizing to some audiences. Please take care while listening*
On May 18, 2023, Raymond Mattia Sr. (baht) a respected member of the Tohono O’odham community, was tragically shot and killed by Border Patrol agents. This incident, highlights the frequent and invasive interactions between Border Patrol and the Tohono O’odham people with the use of excessive force.
This episode highlights the family and community members that have organized peaceful protests, and are pursuing legal action, emphasizing the need for greater oversight of Border Patrol operations.
Raymond's death has brought attention to issues of accountability and transparency within the Border Patrol, his family has been vocal about the excessive force used and the lack of accountability, calling for immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies within the community.
There is a growing call for solidarity and support from other communities to raise awareness and catalyze societal change.This incident underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Border Patrol practices, the family's advocacy for justice highlights the ongoing struggles of militarization across the Tohono O'odham Nation, may we continue to stand in solidarity with the family in their efforts.
*for NON O'odham listeners. (BAHT) is a O'odham phrase meaning to respect those who have passed and keep them at peace. EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Explicit
Transcribed
2 MAY 2024 · In this season finale of Tohono O’odham Young Voices, we thank the listeners for your support, as we also reflect on season eight's accomplishments, and preview season nine's focus on uplifting Indigenous stories.
This episode highlights personal updates from us, including Tina's work with community radio, Napoleon's new teaching role at San Carlos Apache College, and Bree's dual degree pursuit. We also discuss Community projects, including a permanent exhibit at the Mexican American Heritage Center and Museum, an NEH-funded sound-based project, and the San Xavier Allottees Association's podcast initiative.
Next, we reflect on community events and conferences, underscoring their role in promoting engagement and cultural preservation. Key episode discussions from season eight are revisited including one with Kiana Pete and season nine's focus on topics like Indigenous rights and missing and murdered Indigenous women is previewed, kicking off with an episode about Raymond Mattia Sr. (baht).
We want to thank all the listeners who came to support us and gave us words of encouragement as we dive into deeper topics in our communities around justice and awareness that could be challenging for some listeners.
Follow and check out some of the amazing Indigenous communities doing similar work to us and support!
Here are helpful links to learn more about the topics we discussed in our conversation:
https://www.tribalselfgov.org/about/
https://usindigenousdatanetwork.org/us-indigenous-data-sovereignty-governance-summit/
https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/friday-april-19-2024-remembering-the-1974-navajo-border-town-murders/
https://grbc.tv/
https://www.pursuitfilms.com/blog/the-girl-scout-murders
Music By- Famous Ones "Love You To The Moon & Back (Interlude)" Chica De Mis Suenos
Epidemic Sound - Jobii, LM. Styles "Kerfuffle" Midnight Haze EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Transcribed
22 APR 2024 · This conversation is Hosted by Tina, Co-hosted with Napolean, featuring guest Kianna Pete (Dine). Kianna is a scholar, advocate, freelance writer, and Indigenous education & policy researcher from New Mexico. Working with tribes of the southwest, environmental justice organizers, and legal scholars, she promotes Indigenous self-determination and equitable education. Kianna also provides free educational resources on social media about Indigenous organizing around issues of climate change and tribal rights.
Kianna's project title: The Formation of Tribal Reservation Border Towns: Navigating Dine Identity in “Injun-Killing” Spaces. Examination of Tribal Reservation Bordertowns - relatively new concept to Indigenous studies that responds to the ensuing violence against Native Americans.
Helpful links:
Book - Red Nation Rising - https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHVKb284SkhONVV0cmppaXptclFIU0c0NFl2QXxBQ3Jtc0ttb1VNVEREbXUwdGt2R0pLdm1GTFd3Q1VldWt2b2JSbFhCTWZSNVh5Y1pNVHR2Xzc1ZkFvVWJqTjM2dGNBYkZUeTZfZHI1SjBXSE5MRExYVVFjNS1mYTUycGM4b2tGYlBTRFBGanFqblpYZDRvVktBUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fbooks%2Fedition%2FRed_Nation_Rising%2FgbRHEAAAQBAJ%3Fhl%3Den%26gbpv%3D1%26printsec%3Dfrontcover&v=JPFHPXBn_r0
The Everyday Violence of Indian Country's "bordertowns" - https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU9MMzZhSXliNTdGMkZyWWN6eUw4TEVvc2JTQXxBQ3Jtc0tsdi1rVlBxakEtTXNBM2ZMSjNzYmlKRVNqc29HMnVkc19nRmU0TVhBTkkzcGRKd0REVVJwdk56WjJGdFA3ZDFZVjlQNGMySGt2Qk5iV1dhZWZuc0xWbnhjZnNlZnFKaTN4bTYwZVpqRHpnUXZTTFBMTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcn.org%2Fissues%2F53-6%2Fideas-books-the-everyday-violence-of-indian-countrys-bordertowns%2F&v=JPFHPXBn_r0
The Amerian Indian Movement: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMjHxththQA&t=0sA Broken Circle" NHD Documentary
Instagram https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9GbkllSXlnYzJlSWJ2UElrdElYUnVIeTh6UXxBQ3Jtc0tsZVJWUTBwYkRmOXJ3MG5WRHZvaWNTZHdWYjVlMUF0dllCQm5XVmtxN0JuVl9RNEZWejRrY2MxMjN2QUtkVG5CWldqNmx5amJDVGQyanNjVGs5Yk9ubW1Kdy1pUHhDbkNsdmdzZmIyRVdRX0NwSGxXVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkianna_pete%2F%3Fhl%3Den&v=JPFHPXBn_r0
Tohono O'odham Young Voices: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGtrYjM3U0tyLWt0Ny1RVlVNa05VUEpsQkY5Z3xBQ3Jtc0trWXBRQUdlMTh4VGc5SHc2UlVpU2pMRExWRk5QNXpLQUljVjlVQ0cwV1pYQk1lMjliOTBLN2NFenk2clhMSDBPTUhzUncxTENRc3cyRGtaWm05SHhaTUtzYmhRd1o1Smo1ZFZTeW5uZlQ2dU9BYWhibw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toyoungvoices.com%2F&v=JPFHPXBn_r0 EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Transcribed
7 MAR 2024 · DeShawn Davis is a young environmentalist exploring traditional O’odham Jewedga (O’odham lands) in Southern Arizona. He currently works as a Next Generation Ranger at Saguaro National Park and is also an involved participant in the Eco Truths for Indigenous Youth. His passion for science-based programs and work experiences have provided him with the knowledge and the tools to excel in the STEM world. He also embraces his deep cultural connections and access to ancestral lands. The critical role we have as Native/Indigenous people to protect sacred sights, nature, animals, etc. is important especially when working in the National Park Service; to educate and share historical facts, and cultural perspectives, and update the narrative that local tribes are more than just a chapter in history books, but that we are still here evolving and thriving while still holding on to our cultural inheritance.
Recorded: January 2024
Background music by: Guustavv “Barranca” and Bomull “älv”
For more information about Deshawn's involvement, check out these articles and interviews!
Next-generation ranger camp
https://www.nps.gov/sagu/getinvolved/next-generation-ranger-corps.htm
Eco Truths for Indigenous Youth
https://ironwoodtreeexperience.org/community/projects/ecotruths-for-indigenous-youth-2/ EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Transcribed
29 NOV 2023 · In this thought-provoking episode, join us as we dive deep into the intersecting worlds of Indigenous issues and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Tina Andrew, Executive Producer, and co-host Napoleon Marrietta lead a dynamic discussion, bringing together a diverse panel of experts. Dr. Christopher Wise, a seasoned professor with a wealth of experience in Africa and the Middle East, adds academic depth to our conversation. Another special guest Amy Juan, drawing from her firsthand experiences in Palestine-Israel, offers a unique perspective that uncovers striking parallels between the O'odham and Palestinian lifestyles and experiences living within' a militarized environment.
Throughout the episode, our conversation centers on key themes such as colonization, land rights, and cultural preservation, spotlighting the universal nature of these struggles. The parallels between the experiences of Indigenous people and Palestinians serve as a lens to examine complex global issues. We emphasize the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts as we explore the intricate web of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This dialogue challenges listeners to think critically about these issues beyond mainstream narratives, inviting them to explore deeper dimensions of historical, political, and social significance. Ultimately, this episode offers a multifaceted exploration of global conflicts, Indigenous issues, and the profound impact of personal narratives on our collective understanding of complex social and political dynamics.
Tune in for an enlightening and engaging conversation that aims to broaden your perspective on these pressing global issues.
Background music: Dusty Decks "Top Glare", Ahmad Kaabour "Ounadikom", Hannes "Summer 3000"
Recorded: November 22, 2023 EPISODE CREDITS:
Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew
AUDIO:
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound
LINKS:
Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on https://www.instagram.com/oodhampodcaster/, https://www.facebook.com/OodhamPodcaster, and https://www.tiktok.com/@oodham_podcaster?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc!
Based in Southern Arizona, the Tohono O'odham Young Voices Podcast exists to uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of all O'odham by sharing our stories, perspectives, culture, and creativity. Through...
show more
Based in Southern Arizona, the Tohono O'odham Young Voices Podcast exists to uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of all O'odham by sharing our stories, perspectives, culture, and creativity. Through authentic conversations and storytelling, we aim to preserve our heritage, inspire future generations, and create a platform of identity, and community connection.
show less
Information
| Author | Tohono O'odham Young Voices |
| Organization | Tohono O'odham Young Voices |
| Categories | Society & Culture , Education |
| Website | www.toyoungvoices.com |
| toyoungvoices@gmail.com |
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