By Scottsdale Pinetop
Immortalized by the famous lyrics of Glenn Frey and The Eagles, everybody wants to stand on the corner of Winslow Arizona. Both the song and subsequent landmark pay tribute to the town’s unique character and is a point of immense pride for the small-town community along the historic U.S. Route 66. 
But this iconic Route hub just achieved another historical accomplishment that its residents should be equally proud of. On the November 3rd election, Winslow elected its first Native American Mayor, Roberta Wilcox Cano.
Also known as “Birdie”, Wilcox Cano was born and raised in Winslow and previously worked as a corrections officer for the AZ Department of Corrections in Yuma for 17 years. In 2013, Wilcox Cano returned to Winslow and began working for the city and held a number of positions. At that time, she began working with a number of local boards, councils and commissions.
This is where her passion and drive to be involved in local politics began.
Roberta’s heritage as half Native American and half White brings a new and welcoming point of view to the city’s leadership.
In an interview by Navajo Times, Wilcox Cano addressed her recent victory stating, “I could not believe that in the history of Winslow, right in the middle of Navajo Country, and with our neighbors the Hopis, that our community has never had a Native American mayor. There was a disconnect between who was running for office and who’s actually in our city.”
According to the 2010 Census, Winslow’s population of approximately 10,000 residents is 38% Caucasian, 36% Native American and 35% Hispanic making it a “majority-minority” community.
Not only is her heritage an important milestone for Winslow, but also her gender. She joins the ranks of several other Arizona towns and cities that are now being run by women including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels, Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans and Tucson’s first Latina Mayor Regina Romero.
This is not an easy time to be in politics. We commend Roberta Wilcox Cano for her dedication to bettering her community through public service and her ability to inspire others with varying backgrounds within her community and beyond.