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Community Partnerships That Respect Tribal Sovereignty in Arizona

Part of the Critical Connections Podcast Season 1 Podcast
December 3, 2021

First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency, has worked over time with the many Native American tribes in the state to develop a tribal consultation model that works for both sides. With the shared goal of supporting healthy development for young children and their families, they’ve found ways to balance the state government’s data and policy needs with protecting the privacy and power of sovereign tribal nations. Host Karen Ponder speaks with Councilwoman Carletta Tilousi, an elected member of the Havasupai tribal council, and Liz Barker Alvarez, chief policy advisor at First Things First.

La agencia de la primera infancia de Arizona, First Things First, ha trabajado por mucho tiempo con las tribus indígenas del estado para desarrollar un modelo de consulta tribal que funcione para ambos lados. Con el objetivo compartido de apoyar el desarrollo saludable de los niños pequeños y sus familias, han encontrado formas de equilibrar las necesidades de políticas y datos del gobierno estatal con la protección de la privacidad y el poder de las naciones tribales soberanas. La anfitriona Karen Ponder habla con la concejal Carletta Tilousi, miembro electa del consejo tribal de Havasupai, y Liz Barker Alvarez, asesora principal de políticas de First Things First.

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Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness

Blog July 27, 2026

At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.