LOPEZ AND TEKALA

Moving Our Nation Forward

We humbly ask for your support in moving our Nation forward during the primary election on April 29, 2023 and again for the general election on May 27, 2023!

OUR 3 BASIC EXPECTATIONS AS CANDIDATES FOR CHAIRMAN & VICE CHAIR FOR THE TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION ARE:

Stretch

That we Stretch to new heights holistically and economically with fresh and fruitful ideas that make sense. These ideas will lead us as a Nation to being one of most successful Tribal Nations in the U.S. and help sustain our membership accordingly.

Impact

Let’s Impact our Nation’s overall health positively physical, mentally, emotionally
and spiritually. Like the medicine wheel, let’s look at ourselves from every corner
and direction so we are well balance as a Nation.

Reposition

Like other successful Tribal Nations in the US, we want to see our Nation transform
and thrive by repositioning our Nation’s assets, investments, and economical
structure in a more sensible fashion so we can be one of the most successful &
sustainable Tribal Nations in the US.

Get Involved & Stay Update

Help US Move Our Nation Forward

Meet The Candidates

Dr. Joel Lopez

Dr. Joel Lopez, is a proud member of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Born in Watsonville, CA, his ancestry originates from the Chukut Kuk District, San Miguel Village (Kokoldi Dialect Clan). His parents are Manuel and Angelina Lopez. His Grandmother was Jessie Hernandez, his Great Grandmother was Eloisa Galvez, and his Great Great Grandmother was Ramona Escupa Galvez, originating from the community of San Miguel within the Chukut Kuk District.

Dr. Lopez attended schools in Nogales and Tucson, AZ. In high school he won 2 State Wrestling Championship Titles for Desert View High School and was voted “MVP” at the state tournament. Dr. Lopez received his Associates degree from Pima Community College, his Bachelors degree from ASU/Prescott College, his Masters from Chapman University & PhD from Capella University. He is currently a DBA (Doctor of Business Adminstration) candidate at University of Phoenix.

Dr. Joel Lopez is the CEO and founder of both RUF NATION, LLC and Diamond Sol Wellness, LLC organizations. Prior to being the founder of these 2 Global organizations, Dr. Lopez was a Board Member for the Tohono O’odham Economic Development Authority., a Native American Education Advisor, a certified elementary and high school guidance counselor, and a college counseling professor for Maricopa Community Colleges and founder of the Integrated Behavioral Health Model. Dr. Lopez is also a Licensed Associate Counsleor (LAC) through the AZ Board of Behavioral Health and licensed through AHCCCS as a Medicaid provider.

As the CEO of RUF NATION, Dr. Lopez is the 1st Native American Native Casino fight promoter in the US. Dr. Lopez works with various Native Councils, administrators, leaders, and Native Casino properties throughout the US developing entertainment and economic solutions for various Native casinos. His experience as a CEO, CFO and Entrepreneur will serve us well as a Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Dr. Lopez founded Diamond Sol Wellness, LLC, a Native American owned Out-Patient Behavioral Health practice providing wellness and recovery services for over 270 Native Americans who suffer from alcoholism and drug addiction. Dr. Lopez works with over 30 supportive homes with his out-patient wellness center throughout the state of Arizona.

Dr. Joel Lopez believes that helping his people is his main calling. His values originate from his Tohono O’odham Himdag taught by his Grandmother who held onto her strong traditions and culture up to her last breath. Dr. Lopez’s believes that a PRICCE mentality is necessary for our Nation to Move Forward that is: Passion, Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Commitment and Energy. Dr. Lopez’s experience as a leader in healthcare, mental health, education, business, marketing, and economic development will be instrumental in helping move our nation forward.

Thank you Hajun for the honor of having the opportunity to serve you as Chairman!

Roberta Tekala

Roberta Tekala, is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and was born in Phoenix, Arizona. Her ancestry originates from the Gu Aji Ceksan. Her parents are Robert Tekala and Rosemary Ventura-Tekala. Her grandmother was Helen Santos, her Great Grandmother was Molly Sue Santos and her Great Great Grandmother was Anastasia Black Eagle, originating from the community of Odu’Kum within the Gu Aji District.

Roberta Tekala received her associates degree from Chandler-Gilbert community college and her Bachelor’s degree in disciplinary studies with emphasis on communication and accountancy from the Arizona State University and a Masters Degree from the University of Phoenix in Accounting, and is currently working on a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), a candidate at the University of Phoenix.

Ms. Tekala, has served as a representative for the Gu Achi District for more than 10 years and a former alternate as legislation representative for the Tohono O’odham Legislative Branch. She spent most of her career working in the business field as an Auditor, and progressed to the Department of Revenue for the state of Arizona. Ms. Roberta has 15 years of extensive experience working in the field of Accounting and Auditing.

“My vision of an O’odham Nation is to pivot around a way to be completely, economically self-sufficient, comprised of thriving districts, villages, families, and individuals”.

If we work together as a Nation, I believe we can achieve a true vision in our lifetime, however, we must act now and we must act with a common purpose. I call on you to join us in a renewal of our O’odham life force while building transparency to our common vision in service to you as your Vice-Chairwoman and We thank you for your Vote”!

The Highlights in her professional career include the following:

– Worked for Gila River Casino in 1990 as an Auditor.

– In 2006 started worked for Archie Hendricks Nursing facility as a business office supervisor under Jim Chaston’s leadership.

– In 2008 worked as a field auditor for the Department of Revenue. Duties included; interpreting state law policies, established by the state of Arizona under the constitution.

– Ms. Tekala did extensive research for both federal and state and served as a financial watchdog, who helped the department with tax compliance issues when auditing – -businesses throughout the states.

– Ms. Tekala served at a high level of competency working in the nonprofit, private sectors, corporate, and government accounting with a thorough understanding of business and economic development.

– Ms. Tekala, had the opportunity to serve under Manuel/Jose Administration as the Chief Administrative Officer for a brief period under the general direction of Chairman Manuel by performing highly responsible administrative tasks in managing the daily administrative operations of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Ms. Tekala has coordinated and directed programs under support services with various programs departments of the Tohono O’odham Nation. She had resolved managerial problems and issues and oversaw the completion of the Nation’s financial audit and fiscal budget: by reviewing and recommending budget modifications and amendments. Ms. Tekala had supervised and managed Executive directors, general support services managers, and other Staff.

– Ms. Tekala is the CEO and founder of Tekala, LLC. The business provides bookkeeping services and office coordination management.

– Ms. Tekala currently works for Diamond Sol Wellness, LLC, a Native American-owned Out-Patient Behavioral Health practice. The organization provides wellness and recovery services for over 270 Native Americans who suffer from alcoholism and drug addiction. Ms. Tekala works as an office coordinator and case manager for 30 affiliated supportive homes with other outpatient wellness centers throughout the state of Arizona.

– Ms. Tekala believes that helping and giving back to her nation is part of her work. Her values originate from her Zuni and Tohono O’odham grandmothers who have helped her hold onto her strong traditions and culture. Ms. Tekala’s passion, respect, integrity,

compassion, commitment, and energy is what drive her to help her communities everyday.

– Ms. Tekala’s experience as a leader in tribal politics, business management, accounting, finance, statics, and economic development will be influential help move our nation forward.

Upcoming Events

✓3/9/23 6:00 P.M – 8:00 P.M. MEET THE CANDIDATE SELLS, AZ

✓3/11/23 8:00 A.M. WAW WULK (BABO] 3RD, VIRTUAL

3/14/23 6:00 P.M. PISINMO Feast House

3/18/23 MUL CHU THA PARADE & SAN MIGUEL COMMUNITY (VIRTUAL)

3/23/23 6:00 P.M – 8:00 P.M. BABOQUIVARI MEET THE CANDIDATES, ART BLDG

3/25/23 9:00 A.M SIW OITHAG (SIF OIDAK) VIRTUAL

3/28/23 6:00 P.M. KOMKCH’ED (SELLS) DISTRICT OFFICE

3/29 6:30PM SANTA ROSE, 7:30PM AK CHIN COMMUNITY

4/5 WED. 10AM WADDEL DDC WEST VALLEY-GROUNDBREAKING

4/8/23 9:00 A.M CHUKUT KUK MIGUEL

4/09 10 A.M. Tecolete Community

4/13/23 6:00 P.M. WECHO CHEKSHANI (SAN LUCY) 1ST, VIRTUAL

4/14/23 6:00 P.M. GU ACHI (SANTA ROSA) VIRTUAL

4/15 TOCC Phx Campus 10am-2pm

4/17 Public Forum-TOHS GYM-Gu Vo District 6-9pm

4/18-San Lucy Presentation 6pm

4/19-Candiate Debate-Topawa-Babo Gym 6-9PM

4/21 TEAM LOPEZ TEKALA WAILA & RALLY VISCOUNT SUITES TUCSON AZ 6-10PM

4/22/23 9:00 A.M S-CHUK THO’AG VIRTUAL

4/22 GU VO

4/25-Casa Grande Meet & Greet 6-9pm

4/26 San Xavier Youth Council Meet the candidates

*4/29 PRIMARY VOTING RESULTS RALLY*