SANTA FE, NM – On the homeland of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, 23 tribal leaders including myself met with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to discuss the future of Indian education and our key priorities for schools.
The semi-annual summit is where Governor Lujan-Grisham and key cabinet members request input and receive recommendations from tribes. Today, I provided feedback and support for the educational funding distribution formula, expanding literacy efforts in rural areas, support for our special education programs, and the state’s Indian Education Act.
I also shared the Navajo Nation’s position to bring more equity and access to our Native students with culturally competent education in our classrooms. This is important because we have about 26,000 Diné students enrolled in New Mexico public schools off and on the Nation – so they deserve a school curriculum that respects our tribal languages and cultures.
When I met with the governor, I stated our full support for the effort to create more opportunities for our Native students through the Indian Education Funding proposal that will be introduced during the 2025 legislative session. The proposal prioritizes funding for students with special needs and summer literary programs for three years. Our children are most precious resource, and we must invest into their learning future.
Additionally, it was announced that the Indian Affairs Department along with my wife, First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, are going to push forward a tribal regalia bill that will empower students to embrace their Indigenous identity during graduation.
Thank you to Acting Diné Education Secretary Roy Tracey and the DODE staff for joining me alongside Indian Affairs Secretary Josette Monette and NMPED Secretary Mariana Padilla. Together, we will continue to hold leaders accountable and advocate for all our Indigenous students across New Mexico.
