Hobbs Unveils Tribal Flags in Arizona Capitol Offices Following VA Hospital Removal

In a significant development following the removal of flags representing Arizona’s 22 tribal nations from the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, Governor Katie Hobbs is now showcasing these flags at the Executive Tower of the State Capitol. This move comes after backlash regarding the flags’ removal on March 18, when they were taken away and subsequently handed over to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community by VA staff.

“Arizona is proud of the Tribal Veterans who sacrificed for their country,” Hobbs asserted in a press release. “We should be recognizing their service, not disrespecting their heritage.” The Governor expressed her gratitude to tribal leaders for entrusting her with the responsibility of displaying the flags, stating her commitment to supporting veterans.

Martin Harvier, President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to temporarily hold the flags. “We are thankful Governor Hobbs has agreed to take the flags to display them at the Arizona Capitol, a more prominent and appropriate place for them to be located,” he said.

The removal of these flags has drawn condemnation from various tribal nations and state officials, who deemed it a disrespectful act toward Indigenous veterans and the broader tribal community. Sherry Cordova, chairwoman of the Cocopah Tribe, labeled the removal as both insulting and disrespectful. She emphasized that despite the tribe’s small size, many members serve in the military and deserve recognition.

“Our contribution to this country is great; now it seems we are being erased,” Cordova commented. Indigenous individuals in the U.S. serve in the military at rates five times the national average and have a longstanding history of participation in major military conflicts.

According to U.S. Census data, Arizona is home to one of the largest Native American populations in the United States, with Indigenous peoples making up approximately 6% of the state’s overall demographic.

The flag removal stems from a newly implemented policy by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which restricts flag displays at VA facilities. This policy aims to create uniformity across the department and adheres to existing Department of Defense guidelines, allowing only the display of the U.S. flag, state flags, military service flags, VA flags, and certain official agency flags. Other permissible flags include those representing POW/MIA, military command units, and burial honors for veterans and reservists.