President Robbins Visits the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson

June 3, 2019
By Tribal Relations
President Robbins visits with Pascua Yaqui Tribe Council members

 

On Friday, May 24, President Robbins visited the Pascua Yaqui community in southwest Tucson; one of 22 federally recognized Native Nations in Arizona. The visit served to acknowledge the government-to-government relationship with the Tribe and affirm the University of Arizona’s commitment to collaborative partnerships that advance the Tribe’s priorities.

The UA delegation, comprised of leaders who have worked extensively with the Tribe in international law and policy, governance, and tribal relations, was welcomed by Chairman Robert Valencia and other Tribal Council members. Discussions between leaders focused on developing new partnerships in data sharing, student advancement, and the health sciences.

Tribal leaders emphasized opportunities for a health workforce given the future opening of a new health center in the community. Leaders also discussed methods to further recruit for internships with the Tribe and developing systems to better track Yaqui students who attend the University of Arizona.

The UA provided a brief overview of the strategic plan as it relates to Native American advancement, including the Center for Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement and the introduction of a new Professional Studies in Indigenous Governance master’s degree program beginning this fall.

Currently, there are more than 60 self-identified Pascua Yaqui students enrolled at the University. The top five degrees conferred to Pascua Yaqui students over the last 13 years include Psychology, Computer Science, Communication, Veterinary Science, and Business Management. The Tribe is committed to growing and strengthening its workforce and seeking support from the UA to assess tribal labor market needs and trends and to establish related industry/sector training needs.

UA Tribal Relations looks forward to further engaging university leadership and campus partners, including Research and the Health Sciences, to continue developing synergistic collaborations with the two local tribes, Pascua Yaqui and Tohono O’odham tribes.