Saving Lives in Indian Country: Global Response & Tribal Communities"Today on Indigenous in the News, we’re honored to welcome two distinguished guests. Joining us is Samuel Flores, the National Tribal Relations Manager for Global Medical Response, who works closely with Tribal nations to strengthen emergency medical services and ensure access to life-saving care in Native communities. Also with us is Jason Carrizosa, Chief Administrative Officer for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, a leader in Tribal governance and community development.

Together, they’ll share insights into the evolving landscape of Tribal healthcare, emergency response, and the partnerships driving meaningful change in Indian Country.

ABOUT GLOBAL MEDICAL RESPONSE
Global Medical Response (GMR) is a leading provider of comprehensive emergency medical services, delivering care to over five million patients annually. Headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, GMR employs nearly 35,000 professionals who offer compassionate, quality medical care, primarily focusing on emergency and patient relocation services across the United States and internationally. ​

GMR was established through the consolidation of industry leaders in air and ground emergency medical services, including American Medical Response (AMR), Air Evac Lifeteam, REACH Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International, and Guardian Flight. This integration has enabled GMR to build an extensive network of ground and air clinical teams, ensuring patients receive the appropriate level of care promptly, regardless of the situation.
The company's mission is to provide care to the world at a moment's notice, emphasizing timely, equitable, and appropriate access to healthcare for all individuals, irrespective of their location. GMR offers a range of services, including emergency medical services, patient relocation, disaster response, and integrated healthcare solutions.
In addition to its core services, GMR is committed to employee development and well-being. The company offers programs like "Earn While You Learn," providing individuals with education and training to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) while earning a wage. Furthermore, the GMR Employee Foundation, established in 2005, offers financial assistance to employees facing severe hardships due to catastrophic events. ​

GMR's dedication to innovation and excellence in emergency medical services has positioned it as a leader in the industry, continually striving to enhance patient care and access to medical services worldwide.Indigenous in the News

Join us every week from Two Buffalo Studios in Bradenton, Florida, as we bring you the latest updates on issues that matter to us all, from the Shakers to the Makers across Indian Country. Hosted by Larry K. from the Ho-Chunk Nation and his co-host Gary Wilcox from the Powatan Nation. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to me at larry@indigenousinmusic.com or visit www.indigenousinmusicandarts.org/indigenous-in-the-news for all the details. If you have a story and would like to share it, contact us.

“Joining us today is Manuel Zavala, an innovative educator and entrepreneur committed to empowering the next generation. He’s the founder and CEO of Student Hires, an organization that partners with K–12 schools to provide after-school and career readiness programs led by local college students. With a background in teaching and a passion for bridging the gap between education and real-world experience, Manuel is helping young people unlock their potential and build brighter futures. We’re excited to welcome him to the show!”

ABOUT MANUEL ZAVALA

Manuel Zavala is an educator and entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing student career readiness through experiential learning. He is the founder and CEO of Student Hires, an organization that partners with K–12 schools to provide after-school and expanded learning programs led by local college and university students.

Zavala’s journey began as a high school computer science teacher, where he identified gaps in the education system regarding practical, project-based learning. In 2015, while attending the University of California, Riverside, he founded Student Hires to address this need . Initially, the organization operated as a student-run creative agency, offering web and graphic design services to local businesses and providing university students with income and portfolio-building opportunities. By 2018, Student Hires expanded to offer educational programs aimed at preparing high school students for technology careers and facilitating their transition into entry-level jobs within the community.

Beyond Student Hires, Zavala has founded other education-focused ventures, including Afterschool.org, and maintains an active presence on platforms like YouTube, where he shares insights on student development and entrepreneurship.

Email: manuel@studenthires.com
Phone: 909-496-7557
Website: studenthires.commanuel@studenthires.com
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@studenthires
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/manuel-zavala-5017a98a
Manuel website: manuelzavala.com

CONTACT STUDENT HIRES

“On this week’s edition of Indigenous in the News, we’re honored to welcome a passionate advocate, organizer, and protector of Indigenous rights — Robert Rosa, President of the American Indian Movement Central Florida.

Robert has been on the frontlines of some of Florida’s most urgent struggles involving sacred lands, burial site desecration, and the ongoing failure of institutions to uphold Native sovereignty and federal protections like the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act — known as NAGPRA.

As a leader within AIM, Robert has worked tirelessly to hold contractors, developers, and public officials accountable when sacred Indigenous burial sites are threatened or destroyed. His work isn’t just about resistance — it’s about education, justice, and healing.

Today, he joins us to shed light on the battles unfolding across Florida where Native history is being bulldozed in the name of profit — and to share how community members, tribal nations, and allies can take action to protect the ancestors and the laws that were meant to honor them.

About Robert Rosa

Robert Rosa is the dedicated President of the American Indian Movement (AIM) Central Florida chapter and an active advocate for the protection of Indigenous heritage and sacred sites. Under his leadership, AIM Central Florida has successfully intervened in multiple cases where developers attempted to disturb Native mounds and burial grounds. Notably, in February 2023, Rosa played a key role in persuading Jupiter’s Historical Review Board to deny a permit for excavation at a site containing ancient Indian mounds, resulting in the land’s protection.

A member of the Taino community, Rosa has also worked collaboratively with Miccosukee and Seminole tribal representatives to challenge unauthorized digs across the region, emphasizing respect for ancestral lands and cultural sovereignty seminoletribune.org.

He is known for persistent public advocacy, attending local government meetings, raising community awareness, and helping secure protections at sites with deep historical significance.

Committed to preserving these sacred spaces, Rosa continues to lead grassroots campaigns across Central Florida—challenging developers, mobilizing allies, and ensuring that Indigenous voices are central to decisions about land use and cultural heritage.