University of Arizona

Students, faculty, staff, and the public are now welcome to visit Special Collections without an appointment from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs Records

1954 to 1976
MS 554
Collection Guide
Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs Program, September 19-20, 1957

Established in 1953 by the Arizona Legislature, the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs had as its original mission to study the condition of American Indian residing in the state. Comprised of 15 members, the Commission includes 7 Indian and 2 non-Indians appointed by the Governor, and 6 others approved according to their office within the state government. The Executive Director for the Commission is also appointed by the Governor. Starting in 1986, the Commission changed mission and became the State’s liaison with Indian tribes.

Collection contains correspondence, minutes, records of appropriation hearings, memos and other communications by this American Indian-led organization aimed at making recommendations to the governor and legislators in regards to issues faced by Arizona tribes.

Subject Area:
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
Political Affairs
Collection Area:
Arizona & Southwest

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.