IRes Wins the 2025 Center for Excellence Award

IRes Assistant Director, Danny Sestiaga Jr., shares his thoughts on IRes winning the Center of Excellence Award:

“I am beyond honored to share that the Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes) has been recognized as the 2025 Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona.

In just a few short years, IRes has intentionally redefined how the University engages with tribal communities—centering Indigenous knowledge systems, relationships, and values. Our vision—“We see a world in which Indigenous communities are thriving and adaptable to meet environmental and societal challenges”—is not just aspirational. It reflects a deep truth: Our communities are sacred, resilient, and hold wisdom that extends far beyond what Western science alone can offer. That resilience continues to carry us through even the most challenging times.

Reflecting on my time with the Center, I feel deeply humbled and energized. From the beginning, Karletta Chief and I worked to build a space rooted in Indigenous frameworks and led by Indigenous values. Three years later, I am proud to stand alongside an incredible team—Torran Anderson, Bernice Rodriguez, Katie Holtsoi, Ruth Pannill, Christina Gargus, Jason Bruce, Michael Kotutwa Johnson, PhD, MPP, Joe Hoover, Cherie De Vore, Renee Tsinigine Holt, and our student staff—who are bringing this vision to life every day.

This recognition is a reflection of our team's commitment, brilliance, and the strength of our communities we serve. Today, the work continues—as we navigate uncharted territory shaped by today’s political climate and the challenges it brings to Native rights, sovereignty, and self-determination. Now more than ever, it is essential that we honor the true meaning of what it means to be a land-grant institution: One that not only acknowledges its presence on Native lands, but actively works in reciprocity with Tribal nations. Our responsibility to the original stewards (Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui) of this land is not symbolic—it is ongoing, necessary, and deeply rooted in relationship.

And lastly, to our Arizona Institute for Resilience Director Sharon Collinge, the Agnese Nelms Haury Program in Environment and Social Justice, Miguel Flores, Jr., LISAC, Levi Esquerra, and Herminia "Minnie" Frias for writing the letters of support, we thank you so much for this honor and recognition. 

-Much Love and Gratitude, to my IRes Family-

Note: Not everyone was able to attend the ceremony, but those that were, were excited to accept on behalf of our entire team.”

You can read the University of Arizona story about the award winners here.