IRes Mourns the Loss of Congressman Raúl M Grijalva
March 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IRes mourns the loss of Congressman Raúl M.Grijalva
Indigenous Resilience Center
The University of Arizona
On behalf of the Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes), we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva. We thank his family for their unwavering support, sacrifices, dedication, and commitment through the many years of standing by Congressman Grijalva. He was a remarkable leader, whose vision and dedication made him a champion for Native American communities, including the urban Indigenous peoples and their concerns.
Congressman Grijalva worked with dedication to protect the rights of the 22 federally recognized Native Nations and other Indigenous peoples in Arizona to safeguard the environment and sacred ecosystems. He understood Indigenous concepts regarding relationality and intergenerational connections that Indigenous people have with their land. He was a steadfast advocate for tribal sovereignty.
"Congressman Grijalva’s legacy is one of courage, integrity, and profound respect for Indigenous communities,” said Dr. Karletta Chief (Diné), Director of the Indigenous Resilience Center. “His work has left an indelible mark on Indian Country and serves as an inspiration for future generations of leaders. He supported the Indigenous Food, Energy and Water Systems and Sovereignty Program and was excited for the work with tribes and our faculty and students.”
Congressman Grijalva’s leadership and advocacy have been pivotal in shaping a more just and equitable future for Indigenous peoples. His strong commitment to environmental justice and tribal rights ensured that Indigenous voices were not only heard but respected at the highest levels of government. As Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, he played a key role in advancing policies that safeguarded Indigenous lands and natural resources. Under his leadership, Indigenous voices were represented in critical conversations on environmental justice and resource management. Many members of our IRes team had the privilege of serving in his office and alongside him in the community, where they witnessed firsthand his deep dedication to understanding and addressing the complex challenges faced by Indigenous communities. His open engagement with our team on issues like food, energy, and water insecurities underscores his commitment to finding meaningful solutions that honor tribal sovereignty and bolster Indigenous resilience.
We offer our prayers during this time of mourning, sending prayers of healing as the family and community navigate this new reality. May his family find strength and guidance, and we extend our support to all those who feel the weight of this profound loss. May Congressman Grijalva’s journey be peaceful, and may he rest in power.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Torran Anderson, Community Outreach Manager, Indigenous Resilience Center
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