Education
Arizona tribal leaders oppose English-only effort


Arizona tribal leaders spoke out against an English-only bill at the 10th annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day on Tuesday.

"In plain English, sir, we don't like it, and we don't want it," Kathy Kitcheyan, chairwoman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was quoted as saying.

Vivian Juan-Saunders, chairwoman of the Tohono O'odham Nation, said the bill was "divisive, objectionable and unnecessary." She compared it to federal policies that prohibited Native children from speaking their own languages.

Tribal leaders voiced other concerns in speeches at the state Capitol. They included water, education and health care.

Get the Story:
Tribal leaders decry official-English effort (The Arizona Republic 1/19)
Tribal leaders decry official-English plan (Capitol Media Services 1/19)

Relevant Links:
Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs - http://www.indianaffairs.state.az.us

Related Stories:
Navajo man sees latest post as stepping stone (1/18)