Biden’s Legacy Shaped by Major Investments in Arizona Tribal Lands, Say Leaders

Following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, tribal leaders and organizations in Arizona praised his work as president and his investments in Indian Country.

Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis expressed his gratitude for Biden on social media, stating that GRIC deeply values President Biden’s unwavering commitment to Indigenous communities. “His historic investments and support are a lasting legacy that will transform our Community and many others across Indian Country,” Lewis said.

Biden’s exit from the presidential race follows a weekslong pressure campaign from Democratic Party leaders, which came after a poor performance in a June debate against former President Donald Trump, the GOP’s nominee.

After announcing his withdrawal, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee. Biden is among the few presidents in American history to show overwhelming support for Indian Country in various capacities.

His administration reinstated the White House Council on Native American Affairs and relaunched the White House Tribal Nations Summits, initiatives that were inactive during Trump’s administration. These efforts gathered tribal leaders from across the country to discuss pressing issues impacting their communities.

Following Biden’s announcement, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren commended Biden’s “resilient leadership for Indian Country.” “President Biden has been a steadfast champion for tribes across the United States. His legacy will be etched in history with hope and grace, as he stands among the most impactful presidents,” Nygren said.

According to the White House, the Biden administration has taken significant steps over the past three years to enhance its relationship with tribal nations and continues to address their needs and priorities. Through the Investing in America Agenda, the administration has made record-setting investments in tribal nations and Indigenous communities, marking the largest direct federal investment in Indian Country as part of the American Rescue Plan.

These investments have made tangible impacts within tribes across Arizona, including several Indian Water Rights Settlements. In February, the Ak-Chin Indian Community hosted federal leaders, showcasing their work funded with $44.5 million from the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund. In May, the Colorado River Indian Tribes finalized their water rights settlement, enabling them to be recognized as a central party in future decisions regarding their rights to the Colorado River.

Indivisible Tohono co-founder April Ignacio highlighted the Biden administration’s support for Indigenous communities, including appointing Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior and supporting the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. “Having leaders that support Indigenous-focused policies, such as the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools, is crucial because it benefits tribes and their future,” Ignacio said.

Biden’s administration has appointed several Indigenous individuals to top federal positions, notably Deb Haaland from the Laguna Pueblo tribe as Secretary of the Interior, making her the first Native American in a presidential cabinet secretary role. Other key appointments include Bryan Newland from the Bay Mills Indian Community as Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs and Arlando Teller from the Navajo Nation as Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs.

Additional notable appointments are Marilynn Malerba from the Mohegan Tribe as United States Treasurer and Charles Sams from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation as Director of the National Parks Service. “We have to believe the work Joe Biden has supported in Indian Country will continue to flourish,” Ignacio said. “We are thankful for his leadership and cracking the door for Native representation in the highest level of government.”

With Biden now out of the 2024 presidential race, Arizona Native Vote Executive Director Jaynie Parrish emphasized the continued importance of Native voter engagement. “We appreciate this administration for bringing Indigenous voices and decision-makers to the forefront,” Parrish said. “They established a high bar, and we challenge any elected official and administration to do the same, if not exceed it.”

“Indigenous voters across the board will have a lot of say and power,” Parrish added. “We want every voter to use that power and exercise their right to vote, not just for the presidential candidate, but for every office down-ballot.”