In Part Two of this special series, Lena Jackson Eckert continues the conversation about SRPMIC’s historic journey to Scotland for an international repatriation effort. This episode features Council Members Jacob Butler and Mikah Carlos, both of whom served as delegates on the trip to escort ancestors home from the University of Edinburgh and the National Museum of Scotland.

They share their perspectives on leadership, cultural responsibility, and the emotional weight of representing the community on an international stage. Listeners will learn more about how the effort came together, the role of cultural protocol, and the significance of forming respectful relationships with institutions abroad.

Questions? Comments? Please email Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov

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‘To Be Put on a Shelf Is Not Where They Belong’ - O'odham Action News article

In this first installment of a special two‑part series, Lena Jackson Eckert speaks with Council Representative Su:k Chu:vak Fulwilder and NAGPRA Coordinator Martha Ludlow Martinez about a historic journey that took SRPMIC representatives all the way to Scotland. Their purpose: the repatriation of ancestors who had been held overseas for more than a century.

Questions? Comments? Please email Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov

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‘To Be Put on a Shelf Is Not Where They Belong’ - O'odham Action News article

In this episode of Lena's Lens, Lena welcomes back Dr. Felix Muniz for an update on the 5 in 5 Initiative. Dr. Muniz shares progress from Phase 2, which included talking circles, group concept mapping, surveys, and a community readiness assessment. These efforts brought in nearly 250 Community voices and helped identify wellness dimensions, determinants of health, and priority areas for change. He also discusses next steps, including a public-facing data dashboard and a strategic plan that will guide long-term wellness efforts in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Dr. Muniz reflects on the personal meaning of doing this work in his own community and emphasizes how community input is shaping the future of the initiative.

Questions? Comments? Please email Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov

In this episode of Lena’s Lens, Lena Jackson‑Eckert talks with Michael Mainwold, CEO of Salt River Business Development, about the Community’s newest enterprise and its mission to expand economic opportunities beyond the reservation. They explore how SRBD was created, why diversification is important, and how federal contracting and commercial investments are shaping long‑term growth.

Questions? Comments? Send an email to Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov

In this episode of Lena’s Lens, host Lena Jackson‑Eckert sits down with Dr. Troy Melendez, Clinical Manager for Journey to Recovery, and Dr. Nate Velez, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at HHS, to take a closer look at the Community’s approach to substance use treatment, recovery, and long‑term healing. Together, they discuss the “culture of stickiness” at Journey to Recovery, the importance of relationships and hope in the healing process, and how the program’s continuum of care supports individuals for up to a year or more.

Lena, Dr. Melendez, and Dr. Velez also explore trends they are currently seeing in the Community, the growing strength of the local recovery network, the role families play in treatment, and the stigma that programs like JTR are working to break. The conversation highlights the challenges, innovations, and inspiring stories that make recovery possible — and the work that still lies ahead.

Questions? Comments? Send an email to Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov

Community Manager Bryan Meyers joins host Lena Jackson‑Eckert to discuss key development projects shaping the Salt River Pima‑Maricopa Indian Community. Bryan shares updates on the Salt River Auto Show, recent changes at the Pavilions, and the planning process that ensures new development aligns with Community standards and long‑term goals. He also announces a major new addition coming to the SRPMIC corridor and explains its expected economic impact for future generations.

Topics Covered
• Salt River Auto Show expansion
• Long‑term economic planning for SRPMIC
• Announcement of a major new project coming to the Community

Questions? Comments? Send an email to Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov

Dr. Felix Muniz, Assistant Scientist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, visits with Ms. Lena to discuss the 5 in 5 Initiative and research that is being conducted in the SRPMIC. As an enrolled member of the Salt River Indian Community, Dr. Muniz is proud to be part of the effort and the long term impacts it will have on the health and wellbeing of its members. Learn more! SURVEY: https://jh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_74KJ5DuaUcwSfz0?Q_CHL=qr

Coke or Pepsi, salt or savory. Learn more about SRPMIC President Martin Harvier and his journey to tribal leadership in this episode of Lena's Lens.