AZ HCR2046

Honors Jose Robles Matus, a Yaqui Elder and Ceremonial Leader from South Tucson, Arizona, who passed away on December 3, 2017, at age 66.

Recognizes his decades of work as a human rights and indigenous rights activist, including efforts to establish border crossing agreements for Yaqui ceremonial participants in 1974 and founding the Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras in 1997.

Acknowledges his professional contributions directing the Center for Employment Training (1975-1985) and the Tohono O'Odham Skill Center (1985-1990), where he helped establish successful apprenticeship programs.

Notes his numerous awards including the 2010 Alston Bannerman Fellowship Award, 2012 Seventh Generation Fund Fire Keepers Award, and 2014 Corazon de Justicia/Heart of Justice Award.

Expresses the Arizona Legislature's sincere regret at his passing and extends sympathies to his family, including his partner Rosemary Tona-Aguirre, daughter Henrietta, granddaughters, and many professional and ceremonial peers.