300,000 Native Americans live in AZ. Twenty-two American Indian communities preserve their cultures and traditions on land that accounts for one-quarter of Arizona. Thirty years ago their challenges and their history were barely mentioned in the newspapers. Now, thanks to articles by Joanna Allhands and others at the Arizona Republic, we get regular feedback on the problems they face when it comes to health care, basic amenities, education and law and order. Deb Haaland, United States Secretary of the Interior is the first Native American to be sworn into the role. These are dramatic changes and for the good. The Arizona Territory's 19th century history of contact between white settlers and native Americans is full of pain. The name Indian School Road itself should remind us every time we use it, of the attempts to expunge the rich culture and languages of the American Indian communities and attempts to "Westernize" their children. They survived. We should make every effort to compensate to make up for the harm that was done and to offer respect and support.