The annual Indigenous hoop dancing championships returned to the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Thousands of spectators turned out this weekend to watch dancers compete across five age groups. And the reigning world titleholder made history by defending his crown once more.
Josiah Enriquez retained his title by a two-point difference. The now three-peat defending adult division champ, who is Navajo and from the pueblos of Isleta and Pojoaque in New Mexico, made history Sunday night.
His victory marks a very rare feat no one else has achieved — except by the sport’s most decorated dancer three decades ago.
Arizona’s Derrick Suwaima Davis, who is Hopi and Choctaw, won three of his record-setting seven world titles in a row between 1996 and 1998.
More Indigenous Affairs news
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The Bureau of Land Management oversees more than 12 million acres within Arizona alone. And much like the rest of the West, it’s filled with public lands making up federally protected national monuments that hold unique value for tribes. -
A judge signed a court order Friday allowing the Coolidge High School boys basketball team to participate in post-season play. Poor behavior at a recent playoff game previously resulted in the entire athletic department being put on year-long probation. -
It’s known by the name Velvet-Wood, and the project’s Canadian owner got the go-ahead back in May as the first to undergo an “accelerated,” two-week environmental review, during which tribes had only seven days to reply. -
There is a lot of technology around the U.S.–Mexico border. But it turns out there’s even more tech in that area than many people know about — because it’s out of sight. -
The latest surge in ICE activity has largely targeted migrants — but reports have emerged about tribal citizens being targeted as well.
