KXCI is celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 13th from 7 am to 6 pm, with music and messages from community members and special selections from KXCI DJs. We will pay tribute to the profound history, enduring resilience, and vibrant heritage of Indigenous communities by amplifying Indigenous voices through music. Join us as we honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive with a special day of programming on Monday, October 13th, from 7 am to 6 pm, right here on listener-powered KXCI.

Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, Pima County Recorder, from the community of Pisin’ Mo’o, Arizona, located on the west end of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Gabriella is an educator, community organizer, and politician serving as the Pima County, Arizona Recorder since 2021. She is the first Native American elected to a countywide role in Pima County. 

 

Genesis Grijalva (Xicana/Yoeme), founder of Cuatro Hermanas Autonomy Strategies where she channels entrepreneurship, content creation, and creativity as tools for liberation. For her —each is rooted in community, culture, and autonomy.

 

Jose Rodriquez (Xicano), is an actor and filmmaker, and also works in development fundraising for a non-profit organization.

 

 

Dana Andrew (Tohono O’odham), KXCI Volunteer/Rez Radio co-host, member of the Tohono O’odham Nation from the Sif-Oidak District. Dana is an alumni of Tohono O’odham Community College and is currently working in maintenance and also works as an audio editor for Tohono O’odham Young Voices Podcast.

 

 

Tina Andrew (Tohono O’odham), KXCI Production Coordinator and host of Cultivating Indigenous Voices. Tina has been a long-time community advocate and organizer for the local Native/Indigenous community in and the Tucson area. She is also involved in her family waila band, the Vavages Famiy, where she plays the accordion.

 

 

Lourdes Escalante (Yoeme), is a dedicated community advocate, who’s work is rooted in the traditions of her people, she works tirelessly at the intersections of the borderlands and Indigenous justice. Her work also centers on uplifting and protecting Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), amplifying the voices of her community, and challenging systemic violence through grassroots organizing, education, and healing practices. A fierce protector of Indigenous sovereignty, she continues to lead with strength, compassion, and cultural resilience.

 

 

Breanne Harvey, is a second-year law student at the University of Arizona and a proud member of the Diné and Salish & Kootenai tribes. Her message is, “Ya’at’ééh Xest sxlxalt. Happy Indigenous peoples day, may you walk in beauty, strength, and resilience.”