Lena's Lens

DOC Therapeutic Writing (2/5) Readings Part II

In Part II of the Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, here on Lena’s Lens, Lena continues sharing the writings created during a 12‑week therapeutic program inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This episode features emotional and deeply personal readings from Adam Jackson, Wayne Butler, and Brian Butler. Their writings explore themes of addiction, grief, breaking cycles, accountability, and the desire to change their futures. At the end of this episode, all seven client readings are complete. The mini‑series will now move into three roundtable discussions, where the clients speak openly about the experiences, emotions, and realizations connected to their writing. Questions or comments? Email LenasLens@srpmic-nsn.gov ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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DOC Therapeutic Writing (1/5) Readings Part I

In this first episode of our special Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, Lena’s Lens enters the Salt River Department of Corrections. Participants read the writings created during a 12‑week program designed to support healing, reflection, and self‑expression. The episode opens with a traditional gourd song performed by Edgar Carlyle, followed by three powerful readings from Andrew Carlisle, Nathan Antone, and Eric Wood. Their pieces touch on themes of identity, manhood, childhood experiences, sobriety, fatherhood, grief, and confronting long‑held emotions. Each client also reflects briefly on what it felt like to write and read their piece aloud. Questions or comments? Email LenasLens@srpmic-nsn.gov ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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Therapeutic Writing: Healing, Hope, and Voice Inside DOC

In this episode of Lena’s Lens, Lena highlights a therapeutic writing group inside the Salt River Department of Corrections, a program offering healing, reflection, and a safe space for incarcerated Community members. Lena speaks with Councilwoman Su:k Fulwilder and Reentry Services Supervisor Nicolette Parrish about how the group began, why writing has become a powerful outlet, and the impact they’ve witnessed among participants. Questions or comments? Email LenasLens@srpmic-nsn.gov ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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Miss Salt River 2026-2027

In this episode of Lena’s Lens, Lena Jackson Eckert sits down with the newly crowned Miss Salt River 2026–2027, Jizelle Juan, following her coronation at the 38th Annual Miss Salt River Pageant. Jizelle shares her pageant experience, the emotions of hearing her name announced, and the cultural meaning behind stepping into this role. Questions or comments? Email LenasLens@srpmic-nsn.gov ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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Understanding the 2026 SRPMIC Election

In this episode of Lena’s Lens, Lena Jackson-Eckert speaks with Election Board Coordinators Erica Harvier and Ardell Moore to help community members better understand the upcoming 2026 Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community elections. They break down who is up for re‑election, key nomination and voting dates, candidate requirements, and voting options available to community members both inside and outside SRPMIC. Listeners will also learn about mail‑in ballots, home voting for elders and disabled voters, and where to find official election information. Questions? Comments? Please email Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov ********* SRPMIC Election Page ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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Repatriation: The Scotland Journey – Part 2

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 ********* ‘To Be Put on a Shelf Is Not Where They Belong’ - O'odham Action News article ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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Repatriation: The Scotland Journey – Part 1

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 ********* ‘To Be Put on a Shelf Is Not Where They Belong’ - O'odham Action News article ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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5 in 5 Initiative Update - Dr. Felix Muniz

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 ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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Inside Salt River Business Development with CEO Michael Mainwold

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 ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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Journey to Recovery – A Conversation on Healing, Hope, and Community

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 ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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SRPMIC Development Updates

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 ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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5 in 5 Initiative

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 ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

Rapid Fire Questions with SRPMIC President Martin Harvier

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. ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

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Rapid Fire Questions with Council member Jacob Butler

Coke or Pepsi, salt or savory. Learn more about SRPMIC Council Member Jacob Butler and his journey to tribal leadership in this episode of Lena's Lens. ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

Rapid Fire Questions with SRPMIC Council Member Mikah Carlos

Coke or Pepsi, salt or savory. Learn more about SRPMIC Council Member Mikah Carlos and her journey to tribal leadership in this episode of Lena's Lens. ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

Rapid Fire Questions with SRPMIC Council Member Suk Fulwilder

Coke or Pepsi, salt or savory. Learn more about SRPMIC Council Member Suk Fulwilder and her journey to tribal leadership in this episode of Lena's Lens. ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

Rapid Fire Questions with SRPMIC Council member Deanna Scabby

Coke or Pepsi, salt or savory. Learn more about SRPMIC Council Member Deanna Scabby and her journey to tribal leadership in this episode of Lena's Lens. ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public

Rapid Fire Questions with SRPMIC Council Member Cheryl Doka

Coke or Pepsi, salt or savory. Learn more about SRPMIC Council Member Cheryl Doka and her journey to tribal leadership in this episode of Lena's Lens. ************ Summer Speaker Series Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept) Salt River Council Chambers Dinner: 5-6p Presentation: 6-7p 45min presentation, 15 min Q&A Open to the public