Tune in to this powerful conversation with Faith Ramon (Tohono O’odham), Senior Community Organizer for Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), and Arizona Center for Empowerment (ACE). Faith is from the Tohono O’odham Nation in the community of Quijotoa mountains also known as Covered Wells. She shares insights on the vital importance of family, culture, and her current political advocacy. Faith is also a dedicated community advocate involved with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/Girls (#MMIWG), sobriety support groups, and a traditional cultural drum group.
She shares a pivotal turning point from 2016; while seeking her own sobriety in a traditional sweat lodge, her journey of self-discovery expanded into a political awakening. There, she learned how federal decision-making directly impacted her people and ancestral lands through the construction of a proposed border wall. Driven by a passion to increase civic participation, Faith discusses her dedicated efforts to recruit and mobilize Indigenous voters who have historically been left out of the political process. She tackles complex political perspectives head-on, reframing the ballot box not as a form of colonization, but as a powerful tool to voice community concerns and protect indigenous sovereignty. Today, she strongly educates tribal communities on how the political decisions made by elected officials directly impact everyday tribal life—from high gas prices to the well-being of future generations.
What is LUCHA?
Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) is a grassroots movement driving deep social, racial, and economic transformation across the state. Driven by a commitment to equity, inclusion, and human dignity, LUCHA works alongside families and local communities to reclaim their shared power and build a fairer future for all Arizonans.
What is ACE?
The Arizona Center for Empowerment (ACE) is a 501(c)(3) member-led organization mobilizing undocumented youth, working families, students, and LGBTQ+ Arizonans to advance racial, economic, and social justice. Through leadership training, civic engagement, and education, ACE builds the grassroots power needed to raise the standard of equality statewide. The organization focuses its advocacy on critical issues like income equality, public education defense, immigrant rights, and healthcare access to create an Arizona where everyone can thrive.
Beyond the Settler-Colonial System: Why We Vote?
Hit the play button now and listen in as we dive deep into a critical conversation about civic engagement in Indian Country, addressing why many tribal citizens choose not to participate in a settler-colonial system that historically sought to assimilate us. My guest shares how we can reframe the ballot not as an acceptance of colonization, but as a powerful shield to protect inherent tribal sovereignty. As you tune in you will hear how getting out the vote is a vital tool for self-determination—forcing outside lawmakers to honor treaties, protect sacred lands, and secure the federal funding our communities rightfully deserve.
