A powerful call to action emerged during the 30th Annual Indian Nations & Tribes Legislative Day on January 15, 2025, as tribal leaders urged Arizona lawmakers to prioritize the urgent issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people, particularly women. Highlighting Arizona's alarming status as the third highest state in the nation for cases of missing Indigenous women, tribal leader Lisonbee emphasized the need for immediate legislative action.

Lisonbee passionately addressed the assembly, stating, "I'm asking all of you to work with our representative, Teresa Martinez, to craft an Amber Alert-style bill." This proposed legislation aims to enhance coordination among state, federal, and tribal agencies in responding to cases of missing Indigenous persons. The leader's plea resonated with the audience, calling for a nonpartisan effort to tackle this pressing issue head-on.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by Lisonbee's assertion that other western states have successfully implemented similar laws, providing a roadmap for Arizona to follow. "We have much to learn from how this has been done elsewhere," Lisonbee noted, framing the initiative as a historic opportunity for Arizona to take significant steps in protecting Indigenous communities.

As the meeting concluded, the commitment to innovative solutions and collaborative efforts was clear. Tribal leaders expressed their readiness to work alongside lawmakers to address long-standing challenges, reinforcing the importance of unity in the fight against the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. The anticipated support for Representative Martinez's bill could mark a pivotal moment in Arizona's legislative history, aiming to safeguard the lives of Indigenous men, women, and children across the state.