Introducing: R. Joshua Drywater, Native Initiatives Program Manager

The University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities is proud to introduce our new Program Manager for Native Initiatives: R. Joshua Drywater. We sat down with Josh to discuss the path that led him to the Sonoran Center, the talents and goals he brings to our team, and what’s coming up next.

Please introduce yourself and talk about your role here at the Sonoran Center.

My name is Joshua Drywater, and I’m the Program Manager of Native Initiatives for the Sonoran Center. That includes leading the Finds Their Way program. In addition, I’ve been working with individual tribes developing landscape analysis for some of their strengths plus some of the barriers and resources they need brought to their area, and acting as a liaison in coordination with the state and other agencies to help the tribes get those resources in their area. 

Can you expand on the Finds Their Way (FTW) program? What has that project been like?

I’ve really enjoyed it. The first year of FTW was really developing landscape analysis and creating best practice models moving forward. Year 2 will be the implementation of those best practices. We’ve been working within these native communities with the employment team to try to develop and start the pre-employment transition services. Really, the idea is to come in as a team and show the different resources and strategies, but really have it be culturally focused based on the needs of the tribe and what they identify is important to them. So, each program that we’re starting with each individual tribe, just like their culture, is very unique and we’re trying to be culturally focused and focused on what their requests and needs are. Every landscape analysis and program, there are similarities, but they’re still catered to the individual tribe and their situations. (Read more about the Finds Their Way program, and hear from Native Youth Leader Anya Carillo)

Could you go into more detail about those needs and requests?

Finds Their Way really focuses on native youth with disabilities, and when you talk about youth transitioning, no matter the population, it can be difficult to navigate those systems. There’s never really, I would say, a shortage of resources. There’s always resources available, but the key is to develop those partnerships to streamline the process. So, if it’s difficult for you to coordinate with another organization, then it’s definitely going to be difficult for a participant to navigate our organization's system, plus another organization’s system, and another one and so on. Really, what the program does is it looks to go at transition in the native youth population from a collaborative, community approach. Like I’ve said, there’s not a lack of resources, so really it comes down to seeing the strengths that are going on in communities and building upon those foundations that they have.

So it’s more about accessibility than the availability of resources, then.

Exactly. I would say that there are a lot of great organizations out there, and that we work with: the state resources, non-profit organizations, and organizations like the Sonoran Center that provide a lot of resources and opportunities. This is an effort to streamline those to a more central location that’s more accessible to participants. 

What led you to take this position here at the Sonoran Center?

I am a military veteran, but most of my civilian career has been working within my own tribal government back home in Oklahoma. I loved working with my tribe and I really got a taste for providing services to underrepresented communities, and really being able to make an impact doing something that I became passionate about. I come from a tribe with a larger population of citizens, and I really wanted to come into this position and be able to help tribes in AZ do a lot of the streamlining process I’ve seen in my past. That’s something that really led me to wanting to take this venture into this program and be that positive change. 

What is your favorite part about your work? Is it being part of that positive change?

I would say so. One of my favorite things, especially working with the native community and especially people with disabilities — a lot of the times when you read about resources and things that are happening, there are a lot of statistics that could jump out at you, a lot of disparities and things like that. But what I’ve found I really enjoy about my job is going into these communities and seeing the great things that are taking place and that there is change going on. There are a lot of great programs and tribal governments are doing a lot of great things when it comes to employment, transition, individuals with disabilities, and I like being able to showcase those strengths that are currently happening. That’s definitely what I’d say is my most enjoyable part of my job. 

What kind of advice would you give to someone considering doing the work that you do? 

I’d definitely encourage anyone to go into this line of work. I’d say when you’re working with groups you may not be a part of and your goal is to help create positive change or build programs, to make sure you’re listening more than speaking. The tribal communities, their culture is very important, and it’s very important that they feel like they’re being understood and heard, because at the end of the day tribal governments are going to be the ones continuing to operate these programs, and native youth are responsive to their culture. They always want to know more about their culture. So, I definitely approach my position from a learner’s perspective. I never go in like, “I know the answer. I know the way.” Never come at it as if you already know the answer. 

That’s something I’ve heard a lot: to look at it as a collaborative effort

Definitely. It has to be a collaborative effort. There’s no one size fits all: there are 563 federally recognized tribes in America. That’s 563 different cultures, so it’s best to go at it from a learner’s point of view. You’re learning how to incorporate best practices in the services and resources you’re doing, but adding that cultural element that is so vital and important. 

Anything else?

I just recently came into this position, and I really feel that it’s best for me to be out in the community. Slowly but surely I’ve been making my way throughout the state to really immerse myself in the different cultures and populations in Arizona. Coming in as a native Oklahoman, I have really been ecstatic by the great welcoming that I got. I look forward to meeting with all the tribes, all the organizations — everybody I can to see the great things that the state and tribal governments within Arizona are doing. 

Welcome to the team, Josh!