Lena's Lens

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 ***********...

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...

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 persp...

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 Podcas...

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...

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...

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 rel...

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 SRPM...

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:...

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

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

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

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

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

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