Democrat April Hiosik Ignacio Pushes for Tohono Voice on Pima County Board of Supervisors

April Hiosik Ignacio, a community organizer since her youth on the Tohono O’odham Nation, has entered the Democratic primary for a seat on the board long held by Sharon Bronson. Bronson stepped down in 2023 to focus on her recovery. Ignacio faces Jennifer Allen, Edgar Soto, and Miguel Cuevas in this four-way race.

Ignacio’s journey began with her involvement in Tohono O’odham sports, particularly the traditional game of toka, a female-exclusive activity akin to field hockey. “It’s a game older than the ha:shañ, than the saguaro,” she noted. Her mother revived this tradition, earning the nickname the Toka Lady, which deeply influenced Ignacio’s path.

Following her mother’s passing in 2011, Ignacio took on the mantle of organizing toka activities, youth camps, and sports tournaments. She also managed other sports programs for the tribe, gaining extensive experience working with families and children. This upbringing naturally steered her towards politics.

Ignacio currently serves as the warehouse and fleet manager for the Tohono O’odham Ki:Ki Association. She founded Indivisible Tohono in 2017 during the Trump administration and holds a vice chair position in the Arizona Democratic Party. Her roles extend to appointments by Gov. Katie Hobbs to the Arizona Commission for Appellate Court Appointments and a previous task force role for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples under former governor Doug Ducey.

Her interest in missing and murdered tribal members started with a 2017 art installation. “I started talking to people in my community about those who had lost their lives to violence,” she recalled. The project drew significant community attention, resulting in engagements with approximately 40 families by the end of 2018.

Ignacio has secured endorsements from notable figures like Tohono O’odham Chairman Verlon Jose, Arizona State Rep. Mariana Sandoval, and Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly. By June 30, she had raised $29,710, mainly through small donations from tribal members, with expenditures totaling $22,823.

Cazares-Kelly, a longtime friend of Ignacio, commended her community advocacy and her campaign slogan, “Indigenous woman coming through!” inspired by Cazares-Kelly’s viral moment. Ignacio’s version features her driving a forklift, symbolizing her work with the tribal housing authority.

Ignacio’s candidacy emphasizes representation for rural areas like Sells and Ajo, which are often overlooked. “You have somebody from the communities who lives out on the west end, lives in rural Pima County, running for this position,” Cazares-Kelly said.

Addressing blind spots in county services, Ignacio advocates for improved roads, park and library programs, and other essential services for District 3. “I understand what the issues are, and I see where some of those blind spots are,” she stated, underscoring the need for true representation from a tribal community member.