In this episode I feature special guest Lourdes Pereira, who is Hia-Ced O'odham and a student attending Arizona State University. Lourdes shares her experiences being a young O'odham representing her people the Hia-Ced O'odham (sand people) during a time when development of a border wall is and has caused permanent damaged to sacred areas and A'al Wappia (quitobaquito springs). A'al Wappia is a sacred and unique spring that has flourished for many years and is traditional territory to the Hia-Ced O'odham. This area is located within' the boundaries of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Southern Arizona.

The history of the Hia-Ced O'odham has been almost none existent to the outside world. The Hia-Ced O'odham leadership have been working on becoming a federally recognized tribe. Their fight to seek recognition is almost constant when sharing information, getting a seat at the table, inclusion of their history and story, etc.

Date recorded: October 19, 2020