Tohono O'odham Young Voices

5.0 (20)
Society & Culture

Based in Southern Arizona, the Tohono O'odham Young Voices Podcast exists to uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of all O'odham by sharing our stories, perspectives, culture, and creativity. Through authentic conversations and storytelling, we aim to preserve our heritage, inspire future generations, and create a platform of identity, and community connection.

Mar 3

Ep. 49 Final Exam: Identity

In this episode, we explore the journey of finding cultural identity through education, resilience, and community. Joseph Morales is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and is a current student at Arizona State University (ASU). Our guest shares what it was like growing up mixed — navigating questions of belonging, identity, and connection to culture. Facing moments of disconnection, he found a turning point at tribal college (Tohono O'odham Community College), where he began reconnecting with his roots, his community, and himself. Through the support of Indigenous mentors, peers, and culturally grounded education, he discovered a renewed sense of purpose and pride. That path led him to continue his academic journey at ASU, where he is committed to building Indigenous excellence through higher education and tribal journalism. This conversation is about more than academics — it’s about reclaiming identity, honoring heritage, and using storytelling as a tool for representation and change. It’s a powerful reminder that reconnecting with culture is a lifelong journey, and education can be a bridge back to who we truly are. Helpful links: Joseph Morales journalism portfolio: https://josephmorales.journoportfolio.com Gila River Indian Community Newspaper /News:https://www.gricnews.org Optional- American Indian College Fund https://collegefund.org EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew AUDIO: Music licensed via Epidemic Sound LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
12/23/2025

Ep. 48 Remembering the Gu-Achi Fiddlers

In this episode, we’re remembering the Gu-Achi Fiddlers with Gerald Leos Sr., the last living member of the group. What made their music so unique is the way it blends traditions from multiple worlds. The Gu-Achi Fiddlers played lively Southwest fiddle tunes that carry clear traces of Mexican folk music—alongside influences from Central European traditions, like polkas and waltzes brought by German and Czech settlers. Over generations, the O’odham hemajkam adopted these imported styles, adding their own rhythms, ornamentation, and community-focused energy. The result is music that is instantly recognizable yet uniquely O’odham—a bridge between cultures, history, and generations. Gerald shares stories from his life as a musician, reflecting on his time with the Gu-Achi Fiddlers and his experiences playing with other bands, including his own, the Red Feather Band. Also, joined in parts of the conversation is Gerald's wife, Gerry, who is the daughter of Elliot Johnson (baḍ), who played first fiddle and was lead of the Gu-Achi Fiddlers. This story hits very close to home for me, because my grandfather Lester Vavages (baḍ) played second fiddle in the group. I have so many good memories of hearing the music and time spent with him and my grandmother Annie Vavages (baḍ). Tune in to the conversation as we take a look back at the music, the memories, and the journey that shaped Gerald's life, where the music is not just entertaining—it’s a living connection to the culture, history, and the O’odham community. Recorded Feburary 2025 EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew AUDIO: Music licensed via Epidemic Sound LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
06/25/2025

Ep. 47 An O'odham Life Across Borders

This episode features author Mike Wilson (Tohono O'odham) and co-author Tony Lucero who wrote the book "What Side Are You On? A Tohono O'odham Life Across Borders." In our conversation Mike shares pieces of his life story and Tony talks about his interest in not only Mike's experiences, but also the history of the work he's been involved in overtime. Mike spent his childhood in the small town of Ajo, Arizona, which is located northwest of the Tohono O'odham Nation in Southern, AZ. Living throughout the Southern Arizona border, Mike felt a responsibility to provide water stations along the border region on the Tohono O'odham Nation to provide a drinking source for migrants passing through tribal lands to help saves lives. In 2023 Mike played a role in the film "The Wall", as himself; doing the work he's always done inregards to providing water for traveling migrants in the Sonoran desert. In our conversation he also shares stories about O'odham life during the early 1960s when he and his family lived in Tucson, they enjoyed spending time with family and friends listening to live music at the Tucson Indian Center and playing records at a friends house with other O'odham kids. The discussion covered many things from politics, to O'odham lifeways, and music. Co-Author Tony Lucero, is the Chair and Professor of the Comparative History of Ideas Department at the University of Washington, Seattle. He shares his thoughts about why he became interested in Mike's life story and how the work Mike was doing throughout the border was an important one to share with his own students. Many times Tony invited Mike to be a guest speaker in his classes and it was Tony who suggested to Mike about writing a book! Since the release of the book Mike and Tony have been on a book tour, which is where I got to meet them both in person when they presented at the Mission Garden in Tucson just this passed spring. If you are interested in connecting with the guests, you can contac Tony via email at jal26@uw.edu Helpful Links: The Latinx Project - Book Panel: What Side are You On? A Tohono O'odham Life Across Borders NAU discussion explores Tohono O’odham border issues Global Visionaries: Tony Lucero From Green Beret to Border Human Rights Activist: A Podcast with Mike Wilson and José Antonio Lucero Tohono O’Odham activist plays himself in this new movie about migrants crossing the Sonoran Desert The Wall - Bodega Films EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew AUDIO: Music licensed via Epidemic Sound LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
11/20/2024

EP. 46 - Freedom of Press

In this episode we collaborated with University of Arizona Diné law student Divine Kickingbird. Hosted by Bre and Divine, both law students at the University of Arizona, this conversation gives a foundation of the history of the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA). They also shed light on how ICRA intertwines with indigenous journalism, news organizations, and the potential challenges they may face in their quest to provide unbiased, transparent reporting to Native communities. As you tune in you will hear both Bre and Divine lead the conversation while host & producer of Tohono O'odham Young Voices, Tina, sits on the other end of the mic. Tina shares with us the importance of indigenous journalism and how Tohono O'odham Young Voices began. We also include a discussion about the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 as we delve into specifically how freedom of press is affected for native news outlets. As podcasting has become a growing and popular industry to share content and have dialogue about different topics, many Native/Indigenous individuals and groups are using the platform to share information that is important to them and their communities. For those same reseaons Tina shares her journey into journalism and how ICRA and other legal challenges have shaped her approach to honest and uncensored news reporting. Moreover, the importance that Native voices are in the media. About the co-host: Divine Kickingbird (she/her) is a law student who describes their upbringing on the Navajo Nation with teachings of the fundamental principles of conservation from their family, elders, and community members as core to their identities and values. Divine Kickingbird is Hashtl'ishnii and born for Nahiłii. With this podcast episode she hopes to continue to educate others on important indigenous topics. Sources Indian Civil Rights Act Bad Press (Collective Eye Films 2023) Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Intersecting Laws: The Tribal Law and Order Act and the Indian Civil Rights Act EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew AUDIO: Music licensed via Epidemic Sound LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
09/13/2024

Ep. 45 Healing Together

This episode features Lourdes Escalante, Executive Director of Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras (Indigenous Alliance Without Borders), who is heavily involved in the Tucson community and is a member of the Yoeme (Pascua Yaqui) tribe. The episode starts off with a content warning to address the discussions that include accounts of domestic violence and death which could be traumatic and potentially triggering to some listeners. This thoughtful in-depth conversation addresses the culture of silence, lateral violence, femicide/feminicidio, toxic masculinity, and other factors that contribute to Missing and Murdered Indigneous Relations. Lourdes also gave an overview of the data and statistics from the Arizona Statewide Study in Partnership with HB2570 Legislative Study Committee. The conversation leads into spreading awareness about MMIR and best practices to begin to heal as a community, while supporting those directly impacted who have lost a loved one. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking etc. please see the helpful links below. Helpful resources: Emerge Center Against Domestic Violence Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Tohono O'odham Nation Komckud Ki: Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Program Voices Unheard Stalking Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse & Assault Related stories: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Cases That Deserve More Attention Feminicidio Close to Home: Remembering Dr. Raquel Padilla Ramos EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew AUDIO: Music licensed via Epidemic Sound LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
05/14/2024

Ep. 44 Justice for Raymond Mattia Sr. (baht)

*Content warning the following contains discussions surrounding experiences with border patrol and graphic descriptions of violence, and even death, that may be triggering, or traumatizing to some audiences. Please take care while listening* On May 18, 2023, Raymond Mattia Sr. (baht) a respected member of the Tohono O’odham community, was tragically shot and killed by Border Patrol agents. This incident, highlights the frequent and invasive interactions between Border Patrol and the Tohono O’odham people with the use of excessive force. This episode highlights the family and community members that have organized peaceful protests, and are pursuing legal action, emphasizing the need for greater oversight of Border Patrol operations. Raymond's death has brought attention to issues of accountability and transparency within the Border Patrol, his family has been vocal about the excessive force used and the lack of accountability, calling for immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies within the community. There is a growing call for solidarity and support from other communities to raise awareness and catalyze societal change.This incident underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Border Patrol practices, the family's advocacy for justice highlights the ongoing struggles of militarization across the Tohono O'odham Nation, may we continue to stand in solidarity with the family in their efforts. *for NON O'odham listeners. (BAHT) is a O'odham phrase meaning to respect those who have passed and keep them at peace. EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew AUDIO: Music licensed via Epidemic Sound LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
05/02/2024

Ep. 43 HEMAJKAM - Learning From The Community

In this season finale of Tohono O’odham Young Voices, we thank the listeners for your support, as we also reflect on season eight's accomplishments, and preview season nine's focus on uplifting Indigenous stories. This episode highlights personal updates from us, including Tina's work with community radio, Napoleon's new teaching role at San Carlos Apache College, and Bree's dual degree pursuit. We also discuss Community projects, including a permanent exhibit at the Mexican American Heritage Center and Museum, an NEH-funded sound-based project, and the San Xavier Allottees Association's podcast initiative. Next, we reflect on community events and conferences, underscoring their role in promoting engagement and cultural preservation. Key episode discussions from season eight are revisited including one with Kiana Pete and season nine's focus on topics like Indigenous rights and missing and murdered Indigenous women is previewed, kicking off with an episode about Raymond Mattia Sr. (baht). We want to thank all the listeners who came to support us and gave us words of encouragement as we dive into deeper topics in our communities around justice and awareness that could be challenging for some listeners. Follow and check out some of the amazing Indigenous communities doing similar work to us and support! Here are helpful links to learn more about the topics we discussed in our conversation: https://www.tribalselfgov.org/about/ https://usindigenousdatanetwork.org/us-indigenous-data-sovereignty-governance-summit/ https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/friday-april-19-2024-remembering-the-1974-navajo-border-town-murders/ https://grbc.tv/ https://www.pursuitfilms.com/blog/the-girl-scout-murders Music By- Famous Ones "Love You To The Moon & Back (Interlude)" Chica De Mis Suenos Epidemic Sound - Jobii, LM. Styles "Kerfuffle" Midnight Haze EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew AUDIO: Music licensed via Epidemic Sound LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
04/22/2024

Ep. 42 Defining Indigenous Self-Determination

This conversation is Hosted by Tina, Co-hosted with Napolean, featuring guest Kianna Pete (Dine). Kianna is a scholar, advocate, freelance writer, and Indigenous education & policy researcher from New Mexico. Working with tribes of the southwest, environmental justice organizers, and legal scholars, she promotes Indigenous self-determination and equitable education. Kianna also provides free educational resources on social media about Indigenous organizing around issues of climate change and tribal rights. Kianna's project title: The Formation of Tribal Reservation Border Towns: Navigating Dine Identity in “Injun-Killing” Spaces. Examination of Tribal Reservation Bordertowns - relatively new concept to Indigenous studies that responds to the ensuing violence against Native Americans. Helpful links: Book - Red Nation Rising - https://www.google.com/books/edition/... The Everyday Violence of Indian Country's "bordertowns" - https://www.hcn.org/issues/53-6/ideas... The Amerian Indian Movement: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMjHxththQA&t=0sA Broken Circle" NHD Documentary Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kianna_pete... Tohono O'odham Young Voices: https://www.toyoungvoices.com/ EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited, and mixed by Tina Andrew AUDIO: Music licensed via Epidemic Sound LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!

See All (49)

out of 5

20 Ratings

So informing

04/15/2023

lapwai2023

I enjoyed the episode on pretendians. Also I appreciate that I have learned so much about the Tohono O’odham people and their perspective through this podcast. Keep up the great work!
Creative and interesting

12/04/2022

CurryMe

What a wonderful way to share some insight into the O’odham tradition.

Creator

Tohono O'odham Young Voices
Years Active

2019 - 2026
Episodes

49
Rating

Explicit
Show Website

Tohono O'odham Young Voices

Tohono O'odham Young Voices

Episodes

Ep. 49 Final Exam: Identity

Ep. 48 Remembering the Gu-Achi Fiddlers

Ep. 47 An O'odham Life Across Borders

EP. 46 - Freedom of Press

Ep. 45 Healing Together

Ep. 44 Justice for Raymond Mattia Sr. (baht)

Ep. 43 HEMAJKAM - Learning From The Community

Ep. 42 Defining Indigenous Self-Determination

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