Bobby Stone / Robert Stone — Introduces himself and begins the opening prayer and song.
Steve Montenegro — Steve Montenegro introduces himself as Speaker of the Arizona House and welcomes attendees during the joint protocol session. He is then addressed and thanked as Mr. Speaker, including recognition for hosting the session and welcoming the Senate President.
Robert Stone — Invited to the podium to offer the blessing.
Steve Montenegro — Addressed as 'Mr. Speaker.'
Warren Petersen — Warren Petersen, the Senate President, was introduced and invited to speak, offered a brief greeting on behalf of the Arizona Senate, and was subsequently thanked and acknowledged by title during the joint protocol session.
Warren Petersen — Addressed as 'Mr. President.'
Honorable Timothy Williams — Was introduced as Chairman of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and invited to deliver the Tribal Nations Address.
Timothy Williams — Timothy Williams delivers opening remarks as Chairman of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, thanking those present and greeting tribal leaders and the governor. He identifies himself and speaks on behalf of the tribe, describing the Fort Mojave people and their homeland across three states with senior water rights. He then broadens to discuss Arizona’s growth and the responsibility it brings, emphasizing the need to protect tribal sovereignty, preserve language and traditions, and safeguard lands, water resources, sacred sites, and tribal welfare. He concludes by stressing that this responsibility begins with water, highlighting water stewardship and the Colorado River.
Timothy Williams, Chairman of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe — Timothy Williams, Chairman of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, continued his address by emphasizing that tribal economic enterprises, agriculture, gaming, tourism, and recreation support tribal communities and regional jobs. He urged the Legislature and Arizona leaders to include tribes as full partners in discussions about economic growth, taxation, and environmental stewardship. He highlighted shared responsibility for protecting natural resources and water, thanked the Legislature for the opportunity to speak, and connected tribal resilience to the Marine Corps idea of improvising, adapting, and overcoming in the face of historical challenges. He closed by stressing collaboration, advocacy on MMIP, and the importance of protecting tribal culture, language, land, and water, before concluding with thanks.
Verlin Jose, Chairman of the Thana Autumn Nation — Verlin Jose, Chairman of the Thana Autumn Nation, delivered a continuous opening statement. He began with greetings and thanks to the President, Speaker, and legislative leaders, then identified himself and his role. He described the Thana Autumn Nation’s long presence in Arizona, noted the reservation’s size and tribal membership, and spoke about shared values, unity, and the sacred responsibility of making decisions in the legislative setting. He concluded by thanking leaders and praising Governor Hobbs and her office for strengthening tribal relations and working directly with tribes.
Dr. Laura Tohi — Introduced as a Navajo Nation participant who will give a poetry reading.