1

Message from Cabinet

Secretary Alvin Warren

Since the elevation of the Indian Affairs Department to cabinet level in 2004 monumental strides have been made in forging stronger government-to-government relation-ships between the State of New Mexico and the 22 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos. State agencies now have a greater understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges that face Native com-munities and have improved the services and resources they provide to Native Americans across New Mexico. As described further in the speech given by Gov-ernor Bill Richardson during the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 67th Annual Convention in Albuquerque last month, a number of significant achievements have occurred in state-tribal relations over the past eight years. This tremendous progress is due to the commitment and hard work of many: Governor Richardson, his cabinet secretaries and agency heads, tribal liaisons and state employees; tribal leaders, their staff and representatives; legislators and their staff; a number of private sector, non-profit, philanthropic and aca-demic partners and New Mexico citizens from every corner of our state. Governor Richardsons visionary leadership and unmatched commitment to Na-tive American people and concerns have been vital to these historic accomplish-ments. He signed a Statement of Policy and Process with 21 Pueblos, Tribes and Nations in 2003, signed an Executive Order and then legislation creating a cabi-net-level Indian Affairs Department and signed Executive Orders in 2005 man-dating the adoption of pilot tribal consultation policies and a statewide consul-tation policy on the protection of sacred places and repa-triation. Most recently, he signed into law the State-Tribal

this issue

Message from the Secretaryp. 1-4

Cultural Training p. 6

Honors & Awards p. 7-11

Thanks and Farewell p. 5 & 12-14

Other News throughout

During the 2010 Legislative

Session tribal communities

achieved a significant victory

with the passage of House Bill

162 (HB 162). The result of this

law is that the Tribal Infrastruc-

ture Fund (TIF) will receive five

percent of the Senior Sever-

ance Tax Bonding Capacity on

an annual basis. In short HB

162 activates a recurring fund-

ing stream to the Tribal Infra-

structure Fund (TIF) that will

average about $11 million every

year.

On December 16, 2010, Stepha-

New Mexico Indian Affairs Department I-News December 2010

Secretary Warren

continued on page 2

House Bill 162

Implementation

Results in Continued

Funding for Tribal

Infrastructure

continued on page 2

2

Message from the Secretary Continued

nie Schardin Clarke, Interim

Director of the NM Board of

Finance (a division of the NM

Department of Finance and

Administration), made a pres-

entation to the TIF Board on

the five year projection of sev-

erance tax bond capacity. The

exciting news was rather than

the anticipated $11 million, next

year the TIF will receive $12.4

million. As a result, tribal enti-

ties will receive funding

through the TIF upwards of

$110 million over the course of

the next decade.

Secretary of the Indian Affairs

Department and Chairman of

the TIF Board Alvin Warren

said Im eager to see these

resources become available

July 2011. He also shared that,

There is still a significant need

for infrastructure in our tribal

communities. I encourage all

tribes to have viable projects

prepared so that we can en-

sure that TIF funds are ex-

pended efficiently and effec-

tively.

The Tribal Infrastructure Fund

became law in April of 2005. In

the five plus years since, the

TIF has fund $25 million in tribal

infrastructure projects within

tribal communities. 21 of New

Collaboration Act and permanent funding for the Tribal Infrastructure Fund. It is only fitting that, during NCAIs Annual Convention, not only was New Mexico acknowledged as a leader in state-tribal relations, but Governor Richardson was the first state governor presented with an award as a Champion for Indian Coun-try. Governor Richardson deserves this honor as he fulfilled his commit-ment to ensuring that the needs and concerns of New Mexicos Native American leadership and citizens are heard and considered in state policy, resource allocation and legislation. The Indian Affairs Department is proud of the contribution weve made toward these unprecedented accomplishments that benefit not only the 205,000 Native American citizens of our state, but all the peo-ple of New Mexico. IAD now fulfills a central role in facilitating communica-tion and collaboration between the Governors Office, the other Cabinet agencies, and the twenty-two Indian tribes, nations and pueblos on pro-grams and issues affecting Native Americans in New Mexico. Under the leadership of Secretary-designate Bernie Teba, Secretary Benny Shendo, Jr. and me, and through the hard work of numerous staff, IAD has made a profound difference in the lives of Indian people and the rela-tionship between the state and tribal governments. Together, we have vastly improved infrastructure in tribal communities across New Mexico. IAD alone has administered over $142 million dollars of tribal capital outlay and infrastruc-ture funding. IAD led the efforts to create the Tribal Infrastructure Fund (TIF), administers the TIF and the IAD secretary chairs the Tribal Infra-

structure Board. Since 2005, 80 TIF projects have been funded benefit-ting 21 tribes, nations and pueblos in New Mexico in the areas of water and wastewater, electricity, housing, transportation, tribal government and health facilities. TIF appropria-tions have totaled roughly $25 million while leveraging $120 million in fed-eral, tribal and other state funds for these very same projects. Examples of the projects include the Torreon/Star Lake Power Line Extension which brought power to 32 homes that were previously without electricity. Additionally, the Zia Pueblo now has a healthcare center to provide medical services to the population of about 800. During my term as cabinet sec-retary I am especially proud that we worked closely with Governor Richardson, tribal leaders and the Legislature to enact HB 162, creating a permanent funding stream to the TIF that will average $11 million each year. Another one of my goals when I was appointed cabinet secretary was for IAD to play a pivotal role in securing policies and legislation that benefit Tribes and Indian people. I am espe-cially proud of our collective achieve-ments in this area. With guidance from tribal leaders and our 2008 Tribal Policy Forum, IAD drafted and coordinated state and tribal efforts to secure enactment of SB 196, the State-Tribal Collaboration Act (STCA). The STCA codified an ef-fective structure for state-tribal rela-tions and ensures consistency across all Cabinet agencies in their interac-tions with tribal governments and the services they provide to Native Ameri-cans. Since the STCAs enactment, IAD has worked diligently with other state agencies to improve communi-cation and col-

House Bill 162

Implementation

Results in Continued

Funding for Tribal

Infrastructure (cont.)

continued on page 3 continued on page 3

3

Message from the Secretary Continued

Mexicos tribes, nations and

pueblos have benefitted from

one or more of the 80 projects

completed over the years. In-

frastructure initiatives that are

ready for implementation are

generally favored by the TIF

Board and Indian Affairs De-

partment as part of the rigor-

ous rating and ranking prac-

tice, resulting in a precedent of

project completion within a

year and a half. The majority

of TIF funding through 2008

was directed at water and

waste water system projects,

but also contributed to initia-

tives in the areas of recreation,

housing, road improvement,

fire complex and other basic

infrastructure additions.

To learn more about the Tribal Infrastructure Fund and the funded initiatives, visit http://www.iad.state.nm.us/TIFund.html.

laboration with tribal governments and services to Native populations. Two annual summits have been held between Governor Richardson and the leaders of the 22 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos, all 33 Cabinet-level agen-cies have adopted and implemented a Tribal Collaboration, Communication and Consultation Policy and desig-nated at least one tribal liaison, two comprehensive Annual Reports on State-Tribal Relations and Services to Native Americans have been pro-duced and more than 375 state agency staff have been provided training to work more effectively with Tribes and Native American citizens. In addition, IAD developed and de-spite numerous obstacles and set-backs played a key role in securing enactment of HB 37, which amended the New Mexico Subdivision Act to provide tribes with the opportunity to submit opinions to county commis-sions about the impacts of proposed subdivisions. In all, more than seventy bills or me-morials directly benefiting Native Americans have been enacted or passed from 2003-2010, including: SB 115, The Indian Education Act; SB 172, The Indian Water Rights Settlement

Fund; HB 151, Adding Indian Appoint-ees to the Interstate Stream Commis-

sion and the Water Quality Control

Commission; HB 73 / SB 581, The Re-burial Grounds Act; HB 50, The Ameri-can Indian Post Secondary Act and HB 90, The Native American Schools Dual Credit Program. This is the result of a committed state governor and ad-ministration working closely with tribal leaders and legislators and nu-merous advocates Indian and non-Indian doing the work it takes to get legislation passed. As important as any of these pieces of legislation is the unprecedented increase in the

participation of tribal leaders and In-dian people in the political and legisla-tive process. These, and the many other advances made in state-tribal relations in the past eight years, are the result of a collective and collaborative effort of many. I have been particularly im-pressed with the tribal leaders of the 22 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos. I was proud to serve with them in 2006 and 2007 as lieutenant governor of Santa Clara Pueblo and over the past three years as cabinet secretary. Their sac-rifice and their dedication to their tribes and communities have been inspiring. They embraced a bold agenda and have set about trans-forming the relationship between the state and tribal governments result-ing in greater resources and better services for their people. I thank them for their strong support for IAD and wish them and the incoming 2011 officials strength and success in their positions. I especially want to thank and recog-nize all the individuals with whom Ive had the privilege to serve at IAD: Mar-vis Aragon, Jr.; Travis Suazo; Teresa Gomez; Lillian Brooks; Judy Suina; Jamie Moquino; Alberta Trujillo; Terrie Romero; Tammi Lambert; Stephanie Kiger; Francine Hatch; Brenna Clani; Christina Stick; Dereck Lente; Mark Holyan; Lisa Marie Go-mez; Sherrick Roanhorse; Aaron Simms; Ben Fletcher; Rebecca Marti-nez; Lynnette Cruz; Laurie Chapman; Lisa Towles; Lea Larranaga; Ed Cala-baza; Rima Krisst and David Harwell. An agency as small as IAD and with such extensive statutory duties can only succeed with the hard work and commitment of a dedicated staff.

House Bill 162

Implementation

Results in Continued

Funding for Tribal

Infrastructure (cont.)

continued on page 4

4

Message from the Secretary Continued

As Governor Richardson completes his two terms in office with honor and accomplishment, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Governor-elect Susana Martinez as she begins her term as governor of New Mexico. Although as of this writing a new cabinet secretary of Indian affairs has not yet been ap-pointed, I ask that we all work closely with and support the new secretary so that he or she can best address the needs of Indian people throughout our state. We have worked closely with Ron Solimon and the other members of the Martinez Indian Af-fairs Transition Team and appreciate their efforts to understand the wide range of initiatives and efforts that IAD has undertaken on behalf of our constituents. I encourage Governor-elect Martinez and her Administration

to maintain strong and productive government-to-government relation-ships with the 22 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos and ensure that resources and services are provided to address the challenges that face tribal com-munities and Indian people on and off the reservation. As I think back to the day in January, 2008 when Governor Richardson asked me to serve in this capacity I recall the conversations with my fam-ily and with several tribal and state leaders. As unexpected as the ap-pointment was, I was reminded that true leadership is about service and sacrifice and that a window of oppor-tunity existed to achieve what many tribal leaders had sought for decades. I have been profoundly honored to serve you all as cabinet secretary of

Indian affairs for the past three years. I will value our collective accomplishments but will treasure more the support and prayers that have been generously given to IAD staff, our families and me. To-gether, we have made New Mex-ico a leader in state-tribal relations and have made a tremendous dif-ference in the lives of people across our state at a critically im-portant time. Thank you all. I wish you all a won-derful and prosperous New Year. Alvin H. Warren Cabinet Secretary

Fall 2010Secretary Warren Greets President

Obama Upon Arrival in New Mexico

5

Thanks and Best Wishes to Lisa Marie Gomez

Lisa Marie Gomez had a string of accomplishments in the short time she worked with the Indian Af-

fairs Department (IAD). She served in the capacity of Policy Analyst for IAD from April 5, 2010 until

her departure on December 5th of this year. Lisa Marie is a true professional and was exceedingly

productive as an IAD Policy Analyst, says Secretary Warren, she was a dependable and competent

representative of IAD and her dedication will be missed.

Among many initiative and projects, Ms. Gomez made significant contributions to the Indian provi-

sions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). In partnership with Secretary War-

ren, she presented the provisions to multiple committees and task forces including the Health Care

Reform Leadership Team, created by Governor Richardson and charged with making recommendations for the imple-

mentation of PPACA. Additionally, Ms. Gomez played a role in a tribal consultation in early November that resulted in

legislative recommendations around the PPACA.

Ms. Gomez served on countless teams in addition to the Leadership Team. She was designated to provide input to

the Behavioral Health Purchasing Collaborative, the Native American Suicide Prevention Task Force, the Transition

Team for the Thoreau Suicide Crisis Response, the IT Workgroup, the Legal Workgroup, the State-Tribal Medicaid

Workgroup and the Grants Workgroup. Lisa Marie served so many initiatives, regarding Native health and youth is-

sues, says Secretary Warren, her work will continue to serve New Mexico Native citizens through the coming legisla-

tive session and into the future.

Looking back on all she was involved with over the course of her eight months with IAD, her most valued experi-

ence"...was understanding the core values of the Native American culture & incorporating those values in policy and

other components of my work in order to provide a means that enabled the preservation of an enriched culture and

enhanced the health and well-being of tribal communities.

Ms. Gomez now works for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Consumer Information

and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO) as a Program Analyst. The HHS has the responsibility of implementing the provi-

sions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. OCIIO is responsible for ensuring compliance with the new

insurance market rules, and will oversee the new medical loss ratio rules and assist states in reviewing insurance

rates. The Office will provide guidance and oversight for the state-based insurance exchanges. Also, OCIIO will admin-

ister the temporary high-risk pool program and the early retiree reinsurance program, and compile and maintain data

for an internet portal providing information on insurance options.

Thanks and best wishes go to Lisa Marie Gomez in her new position, and she returns the gratitude for the lessons

learned saying, My experience at IAD prepared me for my current position with the federal government. Im thrilled

about the opportunity to help tribes throughout the country.

6

Thank you to Sherrick Roanhorse for his contributions to this article.

Beginning in October 2010, the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) and State Personnel Office (SPO) teamed t provide State-Tribal Collaboration Act Cultural Competency and Collaboration Training to hundreds of state employees on Native American history and state-tribal relations.

As required by the 2009 State-Tribal Collaboration Act, SPO and IAD continues to provide training to state agency man-agers and employees who have ongoing communication with the 22 tribes, nations, and pueblos in New Mexico. The training sessions for 2010 were held in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe and continued through December 21st, educat-ing approximately 340 state employees in total.

Many state employees have asked for assistance with better understanding tribal communities, tribal sovereignty, communication strategies and both the unique and shared challenges experienced by our fellow Native American citi-zens, said Indian Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alvin Warren. The state and tribes are sovereign governments that share common issues such as education, infrastructure development, health care, and business development. I know that the knowledge gained from this interesting training will help us as state employees improve the services we provide to our fellow Native American citizens and enable us to work more effectively on a government-to-government basis with tribes.

State employees attending the one-day training session were introduced to the fundamental principles of tribal sover-eignty, federal Indian law, core values of tribal communities, government-to-government relations, and tips on how to work effectively with tribes and Native American constituents. The effectiveness of the content was evident in the anonymous feedback given following each of the training sessions. As one individual stated, I will take more time to really know who I am working with and make the effort to be respectful of their views and culture.

While developing this training, we wanted to make this interactive and well worth the time of state employees, said training facilitator and SPO Deputy Director Reese Fullerton. Connecting with others and building trust is what this training is about.

Mr. Fullerton and the training development team accomplished their goal, as trainees confirmed that the training was time well spent saying, it was all useful, no improvements no changes!

Mr. Fullerton, IAD Senior Policy Analyst Francine Hatch, a tribal appellate court justice at Isleta Pueblo, and IAD Policy Analyst Sherrick Roanhorse, a former Navajo Nation government employee, facilitated the training and provided tips on how to effectively engage tribal leadership on issues relevant to state agencies and tribes. During recent training sessions, tribal leaders and representatives from the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Tesuque Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, and Navajo Nation provided talks on state-tribal relations in New Mexico.

Involving tribal leadership and tribal government workers has enriched our training sessions and allows state em-ployees to ask questions they have always wanted to ask, such as Why is protocol important? Why do I have to deal with a tribal council? said Ms. Hatch. By talking and sharing stories, state employees and tribal leadership learn from one another. This training fosters state-tribal relations.

It is the hope of the IAD, SPO and trainees that this course will continue to be offered to state employees. As stated by a training attendee, this class should be given to all state employees.

For more information and schedule of trainings, please visit the SPO website http://www.spo.state.nm.us/training.html.

NM State Employees Attend Cultural Competency Training

Presented by NM Indian Affairs Department and State Personnel

Cultural Training

7

The NCAI 67th Annual Convention & Trade Show was titled

Strong Tribal Nations, Strong America and was held in Albuquer-

que in November 2010. The Convention is attended by tribal,

state and federal officials and leaders and provides an opportu-

nity for networking and information sharing. Additionally, an

array of presentations and events are planned to educate and

update attendees on current matters affecting tribal communi-

ties.

During the general session of the NCAI Annual Convention Governor Richardson was presented with a plaque recog-

nizing his commitment to making it a priority to strengthen relations with tribes and demonstrate respect for tribal

sovereignty. To make the occasion even more memorable, many of New Mexicos tribal leaders were present on

stage with the Governor as he received the honor.

NCAI was right to recognize Governor Bill Richardson as a strong and long-term supporter of tribal governments and

tribal issues, states Indian Affairs Department Secretary Alvin Warren. His actions at the state, national and interna-

tional level have strengthened tribal sovereignty and improved federal-tribal-state relations.

Throughout his career, the Governor has been a strong supporter of Native American issues. One of his first acts as

governor was to elevate the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs to a cabinet-level department in 2003, creating the

Indian Affairs Department and giving New Mexico Native Americans a seat at the policy and legislative table. To this

day the NM Indian Affairs Department is the only cabinet-level department in the country dedicated to serving Native

communities.

Governor Bill Richardson has charted new territory by bringing tribal voices to the state government level and mak-

ing notable progress in addressing the concerns and needs of Native communities, said Jefferson Keel, President of

the National Congress of American Indians. It is our hope that future state government officials in New Mexico build

upon the important precedent he has set.

National Congress of American Indians

(NCAI) Honors Governor Richardson at

67th Annual Convention in

Albuquerque, NM

Honors & Awards

continued on page 8

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

8

The Governor was grateful for the honor and shared the following remarks with attendees:

Governor Richardsons Prepared Remarks National Congress of American Indians

November 15, 2010

Honorable President Keel, Executive Committee Members, Area Vice Presidents, Tribal Leaders, Federal and State Offi-

cials, my good friends: As Governor of New Mexico, and behalf of all New Mexicans, I am honored to welcome you to

Albuquerque for your annual convention and trade show.

NCAI could not have chosen a more appropriate place to meet because and Im going to brag a little here in New

Mexico we have the strongest and most productive State-Tribal government-to-government relationships in the Na-

tion.

Im happy to see my very good friend Joe Garcia here who is now NCAIs Albuquerque Area Vice President. Joe has

been a tremendous leader and champion for all Indian people throughout our state and country please give him a

round of applause. You know, Joe wears many hats hes a former Governor of Ohkay Owingeh, a former President

of NCAI, the current Chairman of the All-Indian Pueblo Council but his most important role was, of course, when he

swore me in for my second term as Governor.

Well, its hard to believe that Im coming to the end of serving eight years as Governor of New Mexico. I have always

been a champion for Indian Country and the needs of Indian people. In New Mexico were fortunate to have more

than 200-thousand Indian citizens and 22 sovereign tribes, nations and pueblos. When I first campaigned for Gover-

nor, I made numerous commitments to tribal leaders and Indian people in our state.

Here are a few examples of how my Administration has fulfilled those commitments and more. During my Admini-

stration we made it a priority to develop meaningful and effective relationships with the 22 Indian tribes and to pur-

sue collaborative programs and policies. To ensure this, I elevated by Executive Order the Office of Indian Affairs to

become the first and still only cabinet-level Indian Affairs Department in the country; then, in 2004 I signed legislation

making the department permanent.

We have had two Cabinet Secretaries of Indian Affairs confirmed by the New Mexico State Senate Benny Shendo, Jr.

from the Pueblo of Jemez and Alvin Warren from the Pueblo of Santa Clara. Both Secretary Shendo and Secretary

Warren were former tribal leaders and did an exemplary job serving the Indian people of New Mexico.

I mandated that State agencies formally recognize and respect the sovereignty of the Tribes in New Mexico and estab-

lished methods for consultation and communication. I know that we have successfully followed on this course.

In 2009, I successfully pushed legislation to ensure that all cabinet agencies are held to that same standard in working

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Honors Governor

Richardson at 67th Annual Convention in

Albuquerque, NM continued

Honors & Awards

continued on page 8

9

with tribal governments and to make sure that this effective structure

will continue in future Administrations

As a result, I was proud to sign the State-Tribal Collaboration Act which

requires that the Governor meet every year with the 22 tribal leaders to

address issues of mutual concern. The Act also requires all Cabinet-level

agencies to develop and implement policies that promote effective com-

munication and collaboration and positive government-to-government

relations with tribal governments. I am also proud to say that I have

appointed more than 142 Native Americans to my cabinet, to positions in

government, and to boards and commissions more than any other

governor in New Mexico history. It is critical that there are Native voices in state government and these individuals

have served that mission honorably. These policies and personnel have proven effective in increasing mutually-

beneficial relationships and initiatives between state and tribal governments.

Ive also made sure that during my Administration state funding to tribes and Native American entities has increased

significantly. Im proud to announce for the first time publicly that, since 2003, we have provided more than 302-

million dollars in state grants and loans to tribes for infrastructure projects through several agencies.

After decades of stalemate, we reached three historic water rights settlements, affirming the water rights of the Na-

vajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Pueblos of San Ildefonso, Tesuque, Pojoaque, Nambe and Taos. Weve

also established a permanent Indian Water Rights Settlement Fund.

Weve entered into tax sharing agreements with 12 tribes. Tribal governments and corporations have benefitted

from the states Certified Communities Initiative and Job Training Incentive Program.

In addition, more than 70 bills or memorials directly benefiting Native Americans have been enacted or passed during

my Administration, including: The Indian Education Act, The Reburial Grounds Act, The American Indian Post Secon-

dary Act, changed state law to allow Tribes to submit opinions on proposed subdivisions throughout the state, cre-

ated the Bernalillo County Native American Off-Reservation Health Commission and created the Native American

Schools Dual Credit Program. As a result of our Indian Education Act, we now have an Assistant Secretary for Indian

Education and we strongly support the teaching of Native languages in public and tribal schools. Through Memo-

randa of Agreement we have signed with 16 tribes over 154 tribally-certified language teachers have taught in our

public schools. We also have 112 schools now implementing 147 Native Language Bilingual programs.

For the past four years our Environment Department has held Tribal Environmental Summits to discuss in detail envi-

ronmental issues of mutual concern. In addition, I signed an Executive Order mandating a statewide consultation pol-

icy to protect sacred places and repatriation and I just signed an Executive Order protecting the Zuni Salt Lake and

Sanctuary.

I am particularly pleased with one of our most recent accomplishments: In 2005 I worked with the Legislature to cre-

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Honors Governor

Richardson at 67th Annual Convention in

Albuquerque, NM continued

Honors & Awards

continued on page 10

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

10

ate the Tribal Infrastructure Fund. This year, we created permanent funding for that fund. This will

ensure an investment of $100 million to tribes during the first 10 years alone - to build roads, tribal fa-

cilities, water and sewer lines, health centers, electrical transmission lines, and to support economic

development.

In addition to these important state initiatives, Ive been proud to support national and international

issues important to tribes and Indian people. I am the only state governor who sent repeated letters

to the Congress calling upon them to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and my Administration has

worked diligently since enactment of the Affordable Care Act to support implementation of the Indian-specific provi-

sions. And Im also the only state governor to send a letter to President Obama asking that his Administration reex-

amine the United States position on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Now, these are just a few examples of the numerous advances made in New Mexico state-tribal relations. I have thor-

oughly enjoyed working on a government-to-government basis with all of the Governors and Lieutenant Governors,

Presidents and Vice-Presidents, Council members and representatives of the 22 tribes, nations and pueblos who have

served during my tenure.

I want to commend them and all the Indian people of New Mexico for getting more involved in the political process

by voting and running for office, by seeking and lobbying for legislation, by doing the detailed work with state agency

leaders and staff to resolve issues and concerns that, in the end, affect all New Mexicans.

I want to commend the National Congress of American Indians for being an effective and respected national advocate

for Indian Country for the past 66 years. I urge the NCAI to press the National Governors Association and the Western

Governors Association to urge them to create a State-Tribal Relations Working Group. These Working Groups would

be tasked with gathering and learning from the best models and practices in state-tribal relations, including ours here

in New Mexico, and replicating them across the country.

Every time you accomplish one of Indian Countrys goals you gear up to take on the next challenge.

Once again, Im very excited to join you all today.

Thank you all very much.

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Honors Governor

Richardson at 67th Annual Convention in

Albuquerque, NM continued

Honors & Awards

11

The New Mexico State Legisla-

ture will convene January 18,

2011 for a 60 day session, ending

March 19th. As preparations are

made for the session, please see

the below key dates and links to

helpful additional resources.

December 15, 2010 January 14,

2011

Legislation may be prefiled.

February 17, 2011

All introductions must be made

by this date.

Friday, February 4, 2010

American Indian Day will take

place. For more about the

scheduled social events of the

Legislative Session, visit the So-

cial Calendar. (http://

www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/fileExists/

socCal/SocialCalendar.htm)

Visit the Bill Locator at http://

www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/

_locatorcom.aspx?year=11 to view

House and Senate bills that have

been pre-filed.

View Session Dates at http://

www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/lcsdocs/

sessionsdates.pdf.

As of publication of the I-News,

the Legislative Days with Corre-

sponding Calendar Days page was

unavailable but should be avail-

able as the new year begins.

http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/lcsdocs/

legis_day_chart_11.pdf

In November, the Santa Fe Indian

School Leadership Institute, a pro-

gram heavily funded by the Indian

Affairs Department (IAD),

received the prestigious

Harvard Honoring Na-

tions Award from the Har-

vard Honoring Nations

Program.

IAD has the pleasure of

interfacing with the 22

tribes of New Mexico and

has the opportunity to

witness first hand some of the great

work happening in Indian communi-

ties. So many projects deserve to be

recognized because they fill a vital

need in the Indian Community and

help build capacity that benefits all

New Mexicans. IAD is proud to fund

a nationally recognized program,

says Indian Affairs Department Cabi-

net Secretary Alvin Warren. In these

difficult budget times we need to be

mindful that these types of projects

are valuable and might not exist with-

out State funding.

A total of ten tribal governments

were presented awards at the 2010

ceremony five of the ten were

High Honors recipients. As a High

Honors award winner, the Leadership

Institute received a monetary award

of $20,000, and the prestige of carry-

ing the title of one of the top five Na-

tive initiatives among a total pool of

90 applicants.

Being a part of the Leadership Insti-

tute at the Santa Fe Indian School is

incredibly rewarding. All of our initia-

tives bring together the most amaz-

ing minds that represent that talent in

our Native communities, in-

cluding youth, elders, profes-

sionals and community lead-

ers. Furthermore, IAD's invest-

ment in this program ensures

that we continue to build ca-

pacity, networks, service, and

a profound conscientiousness

about the issues that impact

our communities." Carnell

Chosa, Co-Director.

Since the Honoring Nations Program

started twelve years ago, twenty five

percent of tribes in the United States

have submitted applications for the

honors and of those applications

awards have been presented to 112

Native initiatives. Applicants are

evaluated at each step of the selec-

tion process on the standards of sov-

ereignty significance, effectiveness,

relevance to culture, transferability,

and sustainability. Tribes are solving

complex governmental issues in

meaningful ways. Their work is inspir-

ing, and each hold examples for other

governments to learn from, noted

Megan Minoka Hill, director of the

program.

Read more about the Santa Fe Indian School Leadership Institute at http://www.sfis.k12.nm.us/, and about the Harvard Honoring Nations Program at http://www.hpaied.org/honoring-nations/about-honoring-nations.

Honors & Awards

Santa Fe Indian School Leadership Receives Top

Honors From Harvard Honoring Nations Program

2011 Legislative

Preparation

Leadership Institute Co-Director

Carnell Chosa

12

Tribal Liaisons play a crucial role in the Indian Affairs Department to understand and address the needs of tribal com-munities. The following Tribal Liaisons have served New Mexicos Native citizens and are owed a huge thank you for all of their efforts. African American Affairs Harold Bailey, Director, and Gary Williams Aging & Long Term Services Department Raymond F. Espinoza, Director Indian Area Agency on Aging, and

DeAlva Calabaza Agriculture Department Tom Bagwell, Deputy Director, and Elizabeth Holmes, Ag Specialist Children, Youth and Families Department Bernie Teba Corrections Department Tex Joey, Native American Program Coordinator and Spiritual Advisor, Terry Griffin,

Addictive Services Administrator, Charles King, Bureau Chief of Addictive Services Cultural Affairs Department Samuel Cata, Deputy Director, and Joyce Begay-Foss Department of Finance and Administration Rick Martinez, Deputy Secretary Department of Game and Fish Tod Stevenson (Director) and Alexandra Sandoval (ASD Chief) Department of Health (DOH) Ronald A. Reid, PhD (Director, Office of American Indian Health) and Joe Baca

(Native American Planner-Bureau of Health Emergency Management) Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management John Martinez (Deputy Secretary) Department of Information Technology Conny R. Maki (Deputy Secretary for Enterprise Services): con-

nyr.maki@state.nm.us Department of Military Affairs Steve Latimer, Tribal Liaison Department of Public Safety Major Robert Holguin and Germaine Chappelle Department of Regulation and Licensing Kelly O'Donnell (Superintendent) and Bernice Geiger Department of Transportation Ron D. Shutiva Department of Veterans Services Alan Martinez (Director, State Benefits Division) Department of Workforce Solutions Teresa Casados (Deputy Secretary) Economic Development Department Jerry Sandoval (Liaison for Region 7: Navajo Nation), Tim Hagaman (Native

American Liaison and Community Development Representative for Region 1: Acoma, Laguna and Zuni Indian Res-ervations), Steve Gonzales (Liaison for Region 2: Jicarilla Apache, Ohkay Owingeh, Taos, Picuris, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Tesuque, Pojoaque, and Nambe Indian Reservations), Kathy McCormick (Liaison for Region 3: Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Sandia, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Santo Domingo and Zia Indian Reservations), Dora Dominguez (Liaison for Region 5: Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation),

Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department Butch Blazer (State Forester), Rebecca Procter (Archaeologist) and Rhonda Fitzgerald (Forestry Division)

Environment Department Sarah Cottrell (Deputy Secretary) EXPO New Mexico Rose Custer (Administrative Assistant) General Services Department Porfirio Perez (Transportation Services Division), Christopher Lee (Strategic Plan-

ning Officer) and John F. Simms Higher Education Department Jennie Lusk (General Counsel) Human Services Department Kim Horan, Priscilla Caverly (Human Services Department), Theresa Belanger

(Human Services Department) and Susan M. Bosarge (Human Services Department) Indian Affairs Department Alvin Warren (Cabinet Secretary) and Francine Hatch (Senior Policy Analyst) Office of the State Engineer Myron Armijo (OSE and Interstate Stream Commission) Public Defender T. David Eisenberg (Deputy Chief) Public Education Department Barbara Alvarez (Interim Assistant Secretary of Indian Education) and Edmund

Lano (Program Manager-Indian Education Division) State Investment Council Charles Wollmann (Public Information Officer) State Personnel Office Ken Giles (HR Operations) and Reese Fullerton (Deputy Director)

Tribal Liaisons Earn Praise

Thank Yous & Farewells

continued on page 21

13

Tribal leaders have a passion for serving their tribal communities, committing their time, resources and lives to bring-

ing improvements to Native citizens across the state of New Mexico. As the year comes to a close, the Indian Affairs

Department would like to thank those leaders for their continued commitment and service it is deeply appreciated.

JICARILLA APACHE NATION President Levi Pesata, Vice President Ty Vicenti MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE President Mark Chino,Vice President Sandra Platero NAVAJO NATION President Joe Shirley, Jr., Vice President Ben Shelly NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan OHKAY OWINGEH Governor Marcelino Aguino, 1st Lt. Gov. Virgil Cata, 2nd Lt. Gov. Joseph Martinez PUEBLO OF ACOMA Governor Chandler Sanchez, 1st Lt. Gov. Mark Thompson, 2nd Lt. Gov. Ron Charlie PUEBLO OF COCHITI Governor Vernon M. Garcia, Lt. Gov. J. Leroy Arquero PUEBLO OF ISLETA Governor Robert Benavides, 1st Lt. Gov. Max Zuni, 2nd Lt. Gov. Frank Lujan PUEBLO OF JEMEZ Governor Joshua Madalena, 1st Lt. Gov. Aaron Cajero, 2nd Lt. Gov. Larry Chinana PUEBLO OF LAGUNA Governor John Antonio, Sr., 1st Lt. Gov. Robert Mooney, Sr., 2nd Lt. Gov. Marvin Trujillo, Jr. PUEBLO OF NAMBE Governor Ernest Mirabal, Lt. Gov. Arnold Garcia PUEBLO OF PICURIS Governor Manuel Archuleta, Lt. Gov. Gary Pyne PUEBLO OF POJOAQUE Governor George Rivera, Lt. Gov. Joseph Talachy PUEBLO OF SANDIA Lt. Governor Scott Paisano PUEBLO OF SANTA ANA Governor Bruce Sanchez, Lt. Gov. Myron Armijo PUEBLO OF SANTA CLARA Governor Walter Dasheno, Lt. Gov. Bruce Tafoya PUEBLO OF SAN FELIPE Governor Feliciano Candelaria, Lt. Gov. Delbert Sanchez PUEBLO OF SAN ILDEFONSO Governor Perry Martinez, 1st Lt. Governor Bryan P. Montoya, 2nd Lt. Governor F.

Dale Martinez PUEBLO OF SANTO DOMINGO Governor Tony Tortalita, Lt. Gov. Jimmy Calabaza PUEBLO OF TAOS Governor James Lujan, Sr., Lt. Gov. Richard Aspenwind PUEBLO OF TAOS WARCHIEF Warchief David G. Gomez, Lt. Warchief Harold V. Cordova PUEBLO OF TESUQUE Governor Frederick Vigil, Lt. Gov. Roman J. Duran PUEBLO OF ZIA Governor Marcellus Medina, Lt. Gov. Ben Shije PUEBLO OF ZUNI Governor Norman Cooeyate, Lt. Gov. Dancy Simplicio PUEBLO ORGANIZATIONS ALL INDIAN PUEBLO COUNCIL Chairman Joe Garcia, Vice Chairman Gregory T. Ortiz

In Memorium

Dr. Carleton Naiche-Palmer, past president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, died December 11, 2010 at the age of 63.

Dr. Naiche-Palmer, in addition to actively serving numerous other organizations, committed a majority of his adult life

to serving his tribe as a tribal councilor, chairperson of the management board for Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort

and Casino and finally as president of the tribe. His term as President lasted two years, beginning in early 2008.

Thoughts are with his family and the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

Governor Joe M. Lujan, sitting governor of Sandia Pueblo, passed away on October 19, 2010, after

battling illness for several months. Governor Lujan began his term of office in January of 2009.

Many New Mexico government officials released statements praising Governor Lujan and stating

that he will be greatly missed.

Thoughts are with the community of Sandia Pueblo and his family.

2010 Tribal Leaders

Thank Yous & Farewells

Governor Lujan

14

Working at the Department has been a unique opportunity to be a part of making a profound difference in the world, and has been worth every minute of my time. When I first walked into the Department two years ago, on special assignment from the NM Governors office, the policy unit and the cabinet secretary were beginning to create the language for the bills that would become the State Tribal Collaboration Act and amendments to the Subdivision Act. We immediately created a powerful internal team, each mutually sharing our experiences, strengths, expertise, and commit-ment. However, we became part of something bigger, creating or perhaps responding to a realm of possibility where collaboration trumps contention as a matter of law and policy. That energy became unstoppable, contagious, and undeniably magical. At the Roundhouse that year, and each year thereafter, the team expanded to include all the tribes, the tribal lobbyists, non-profit organizations, legislators, executive agencies, community members, and many more. So many nights during legislative sessions, sometimes in the wee hours of the mornings, I would look around and see tribal lead-

ers and community members, toughing out the hard edges, speaking to legislators, collaborating with us on amend-ments, and effectively parrying attacks, some from those hired specifically to see us fail. We saw people and entities historically at odds come together as partners. The resulting laws reflected the will of the entire community. State-tribal collaboration transcended the one-sided heavy handed consultations of the past, and evolved into an unprece-dented foundation of teamwork and partnership between the tribes and the State of New Mexico, even in the most difficult financial times. Inside of this context of collaboration, Native American veterans received tax refunds wrongfully withheld, tribes re-ceived the right to be notified and contribute environmental and cultural information regarding approval of new sub-division applications, tribes obtained a reliable source of funding for tribal infrastructure, and the concerns of every tribal member statewide will be considered in healthcare reform. Consultations on every issue is now the norm for state agencies, resulting in state-tribal agreements on transportation, construction, taxes, regulation and licensing, contract issues, education, health care, economic development, to name a few. Each agreement was accomplished with excellence, integrity, new understanding, and mutual respect. Many of these issues were resolved behind the scenes, without news coverage, without splashy meetings or talking points, just communities coming together to cre-ate workability and reliable solutions. Some agreements that had been held up for years were resolved in a few con-versations. My personal experience was that I as an individual disappeared, as my contributions on each of these issues melded

with the contributions of so many other powerful and brilliant teammates. It all worked beautifully together to create

profound accomplishment. Once again, there is a reminder that partnership can create outcomes that transcend the

ability of any one individual. It is an experience I will be proud of my entire life. Therefore, while I will miss working at

this department, it is with utmost gratitude, joy and courage that I transition to the next step in my life, knowing that

as a mother, a community member, an attorney, and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, I made a dif-

ference.

General Counsel Farewell

Thank Yous & Farewells

Tammi Lambert

15

For Immediate Release Contact: Alarie Ray-Garcia

November 10, 2010 (505) 476-2248

GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER

PROTECTING ZUNI SALT LAKE AND SANCTUARY

ZUNI, NM - Governor Bill Richardson today signed an Executive Order extending greater protection to the sacred Zuni Salt Lake

and Sanctuary. The additional protection promotes greater stewardship of the lake and its natural resources.

The Zuni Salt Lake is a site of great cultural and religious importance to the people of Zuni and many other indigenous peoples

throughout New Mexico and Arizona, said Governor Richardson. My action today will promote a collaborative relationship be-

tween state agencies and the Zuni Tribe to safeguard the unique historical and cultural significance of this sacred place.

For several decades the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary has been threatened by proposed development that would have a lasting

impact on the natural and cultural resources in the area. For this reason, Zuni Governor Norman Cooeyate, tribal officials and tra-

ditional leaders have long sought the additional protection that will result from the Executive Order.

This day will be remembered in Zuni for a long time to come, not just for what is being signed by our friend Governor Bill Richard-

son today, but for all the battles that have been fought by a collection of individuals, tribal leaders, organizations and friends of

our Mother, Zuni Salt Lake, for many years, expressed Governor Cooeyate. This is a culmination of their work, and we are hon-

ored to put some finality to their devotion and dedication in protecting the Zuni Salt Lake. I personally thank Governor Richardson

for his assistance and kindness in heeding my request to further protect the Zuni Salt Lake with various New Mexico state

agencies.

Developed collaboratively over several months by Zuni leaders and representatives, the Indian Affairs Department,

other state agencies and Governor Richardsons Office, the Executive Order reflects the intent of SB 196, the State-

Tribal Collaboration Act.

I commend Governor Richardson and Governor Cooeyate for demonstrating today how effective and respectful

state-tribal government-to-government relations benefits all New Mexicans, said

Alvin H. Warren, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Indian Affairs Depart-

ment. The Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary is well-deserving of additional

Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary Protection

Other News

continued on page 16

16

protection as a place sacred to tribes throughout the southwest and as a valued part of New Mexicos heritage.

In the Executive Order, Governor Richardson directs several state agencies to take specific action to protect the Zuni

Salt Lake and Sanctuary from adverse impacts such as mining and other activities that may affect the lake. These ac-

tions include:

directing the Office of the State Engineer to designate a team to work with the Zuni Tribe and the United States to

ensure the continuing survival and integrity of the Zuni Salt Lake in perpetuity;

requiring the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department to consult with the Zuni Tribe to ensure that

the Departments regulations and permitting processes protect the water, cultural, and other resources of the

area surrounding the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary;

directing the New Mexico Environment Department to take any steps available under law to ensure the area sur-

rounding the Salt Lake and Sanctuary is protected from adverse impacts from mining or other activities that

threaten the environment and

instructing the Department of Cultural Affairs State Historic Preservation Division to assist the Tribe in its efforts

to have the Salt Lake and Sanctuary added to the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a World

Heritage Site.

The full text of the Executive Order is below:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2010-047

PROTECTING THE ZUNI SALT LAKE AND SANCTUARY

WHEREAS, the Zuni Salt Lake, located in southwest New Mexico, is a site of great cultural and religious importance to

the people of Zuni and many other indigenous peoples throughout New Mexico and Arizona, including Acoma Pueblo,

the Hopi Tribe, Laguna Pueblo, the Navajo Nation, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe;

WHEREAS, for centuries, people from the Zuni Tribe and other southwestern Tribes have made pilgrimages to the

Zuni Salt Lake to request spiritual guidance and rain, make offerings, and collect salt for ceremonial, ritual, and domes-

tic use;

WHEREAS, the surrounding land, with its pilgrimage trails and associated cultural resources, has always been re-

spected by these indigenous peoples as a Sanctuary, recognizing and respecting the sanctity of the Salt Mother;

WHEREAS, in 1985, the United States Congress placed the Zuni Salt Lake into trust for the Zuni Tribe so that long-

standing religious and cultural practices could be sustained in perpetuity;

WHEREAS, since 1970, the Zuni Salt Lake has been registered under the New Mexico Cultural Properties Act as a New

Mexico cultural property. Moreover, in 1999, the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary were determined eligible for listing on

the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Property because of their historical and cultural signifi-

cance. And in 2004, the Zuni Salt Lake was identified by the National Trust for His-

toric Preservation as one of the most endangered historical sites in America;

Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary Protection

Other News

continued on page 17

17

WHEREAS, the Salt Lake is naturally maintained by limited supplies of surface water and ground water from various

sources, each contributing to the quantity and quality of waters in its unique and delicate hydrologic balance; such

balance can easily be upset by depletions, withdrawals, and other activities in surrounding areas;

WHEREAS, the Salt Lake and its Sanctuary is threatened by proposed development, including the possibility that coal

mining, oil and gas extraction, and large-scale irrigation may be undertaken in the vicinity of the sacred site;

WHEREAS, the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals and Natu-

ral Resources, Forestry Division, have conducted preliminary water quality and biological surveys at the Salt Lake and

concluded that it is a vibrant aquatic ecosystem unique to New Mexico and the Nation;

WHEREAS, the sacred Zuni Salt Lake is an irreplaceable ecological and cultural treasure of New Mexico that should be

protected;

WHEREAS, because of the unique historical and cultural significance of the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, and its frag-

ile ecosystem, protection of the area is a matter of critical public interest, and any adverse impact to the Lake and

Sanctuary is detrimental to the public welfare of the State.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by

the Constitution and the laws of the State of New Mexico do hereby direct all appropriate and relevant state agencies

including the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the Environment Department, the Office of the

State Engineer, the Cultural Affairs Department, and the Department of Game and Fish to provide support for the pro-

tection of the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary as a matter of State policy in furtherance of the public welfare of the

State; and further, hereby order the following:

1. The State Engineer shall:

a. on or before December 1, 2010, designate a team to work with the Zuni Tribe and the United States

for the purpose of ensuring the continuing survival and integrity of the Zuni Salt Lake in perpetuity;

b. through the team, identify the appropriate geographic and hydrologic delineation for development

of an administrative model or other technical studies for the conjunctive management of surface

and ground water within the area surrounding the Salt Lake and Sanctuary for the purpose of ensur

ing the continuing survival and integrity of the Zuni Salt Lake;

c. in conjunction with the Zuni Tribe and, to the extent possible, the United States in its capacity as

trustee for the Zuni Tribe, develop the administrative model or other technical studies, subject to an

appropriation specifically for the purpose of entering into a personal services contract with a quali

fied person or entity or subject to the availability of other dedicated resources to do so;

d. once adopted, use the model and other technical studies as the basis for collaborative efforts to

protect the Zuni Salt Lake, such as, determining the appropriateness of designating critical or do-

mestic well management areas or other long-term protection strategies developed

in conjunction with the Zuni Tribe, and use the model in evaluating surface and

ground water applications;

Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary Protection

Other News

continued on page 18

18

e. collaborate with the United States and the Zuni Tribe to identify possible funding sources and to

obtain the necessary funding or dedicated resources for model development, whether the source is

the State, United States, or a nongovernmental entity; and

f. continue to consult and coordinate with the Zuni Tribe to develop and implement the mechanism

through which the Tribe may timely identify those water rights applications involving the surface

waters of the Zuni River and Carrizo Wash or the ground waters of the Gallup Underground Water

Basin (the sources of water within the area surrounding the Salt Lake and Sanctuary) that have been

filed to promote the Zuni Tribes ability to timely file protests when it determines necessary.

2. The Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department shall:

a. Consult with the Tribe to ensure oil and gas, mining, and geothermal regulations and permitting pro-

cesses of the Departments Divisions and Commissions protect, to the extent possible, the water,

cultural, and other resources of the area surrounding the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary; and

b. Confer and coordinate with the State Land Office and the Tribe to develop protection policies for

State trust lands in the area surrounding the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary; and

c. Consult with the Zuni Tribe to determine whether any lands within the Sanctuary area should be pri

oritized for acquisition to protect its unique ecological significance;

3. The New Mexico Environment Department shall:

a. Take any steps available under law to ensure the area surrounding the Salt Lake and Sanctuary is

protected from adverse impacts from mining or other activities that threaten the environment; and

b. Consult with the Zuni Tribe to ensure timely notification to the Tribe of all groundwater discharge or

other State environmental compliance permit applications in the area surrounding the Salt Lake and

Sanctuary;

4. The Cultural Affairs Department, State Historic Preservation Division shall:

a. Diligently consider and process any application submitted by the Zuni Tribe to register the Sanctuary

as a New Mexico cultural property under the New Mexico Cultural Properties Act; and

b. Assist, as permitted with given staffing and resources, the Zuni Tribe in its efforts to have the Salt

Lake and Sanctuary added to the National Register of Historic Places and designated as World Herit

age Sites; and

5. The Department of Game & Fish shall consult and cooperate with land-owning and managing interests, in-

cluding the Zuni Tribe, whose properties surround Zuni Salt Lake with the goal of developing reasonable and appropri-

ate land-use and wildlife management policies for the operation and management of those lands;

6. The above-listed agencies shall work with any applicable state boards and com-

missions to implement these directives in accordance with law.

Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary Protection

Other News

continued on page 19

19

THIS ORDER supersedes any other previous orders, proclamations, or directives in conflict. This Executive Or-

der shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as the Governor rescinds it.

ATTEST: DONE AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE THIS

10TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2010.

MARY HERRERA WITNESS MY HAND AND THE GREAT

SECRETARY OF STATE SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO

BILL RICHARDSON

GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO

Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary Protection

Other News

NM Executive Order 2010-047 Signing by Governor Bill Richardson For the

Protection of the Zuni Salt Lake & SanctuaryZuni, NMNovember 10, 2010

20

Article contributed by Elizabeth

Perea, IRS

With so many tax benefits available today, taxes can serve as the starting point leading to greater prosperity for many people. In 2000, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) changed its approach to meet-ing individual taxpayers needs for tax education, awareness and assistance by establishing an office called SPEC. Since then, IRS-SPEC has culti-vated a network or partner-ships with national and local organizations and businesses that share our mutual goal in three key areas: Preparing tax returns free

for low to moderate in-come people (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA))

Promoting tax understand-ing and awareness

Encouraging personal as-set building and self-sufficiency through tax incentives

Thousands of organizations nationwide are partnering with IRS-SPEC to make a difference in their communities. In addi-tion to strengthening local re-lationships and offering valu-able services, these partner-ships: Bring dollars and other re-

sources into the commu-nity

Provide volunteers valu-able personal skills and

Over the past year, as in years prior, the NMFO has created opportunities to promote American Indian profes-sionals in the film industry while cele-brating Native culture. As featured in the October 2010 edition of I-News, the NMFO serves the states Native communities by providing opportuni-ties in the film industry through a range of initiatives. In the second half of 2010 the Film Office held two sig-nificant events including the 1st annual Native Cinema Summit and American Indian Heritage Month commemora-tion.

The Summit aimed to answer the question, what can we do to pro-mote Native film makers? through discussions of current and needed resources, breakout sessions and strategic planning. A ground break-ing event, the Summit brought to-gether Native filmmakers, representa-tives from film industry organizations, state and tribal officials and key fig-ures from Milagro at Los Luceros a collaboration of NMFO, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and Robert Redford with a mission to pro-vide immersive jobs training and edu-cation in film and the arts. Partici-pants came from as far as Australia to take part in the Summit and all were addressed by the Sundance Institute and Film Festival founding director, Robert Redford, via video message.

As a result of the breakout sessions and discussions, strategic plans for one and five year goals were estab-lished and a second annual Native Cinema Summit is in the works. A fi-nal significant development was crea-tion of a continuing network of cul-tural activists and Native filmmakers. The network was established to ad-vance projects telling stories of Na-tive origin through film, and helping

those specific projects find audiences.

For a third year, the Film Office planned an event in the month of No-vember to commemorate American Indian Heritage Month. Teamed with the New Mexico Indian Affairs De-partment and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the NMFO put to-gether an evening of events to cele-brate American Indian heritage. On November 30, 2010 the gathering was held at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe. At-tendees were treated to the intrigu-ing Here, Now and Always exhibit in which 50 Native Americans voices share the stories of the Southwests American Indian communities. As a visual accompaniment, upwards of one thousand three hundred of the MIACs artifacts were on display.

Following the exhibition tour, a screening of Miss Navajo was pre-sented. Filmmaker Billy Luther and World of Wonder Productions cre-ated the film that tracks the journey of Miss Navajo pageant contestant Crystal Frazier, revealing the inner and outer beauty, strength and tradi-tional values of Navajo women. Billy Luther is a celebrated Navajo film-maker and son of the 1966 Miss Na-vajo.

The evening was a look back at some of the challenges faced by Native communities and a reminder of the American Indian cultural beauty and strength to be celebrated.

Immense talent exists amongst Na-tive Americans in relation to the film-making profession, and the New Mex-ico Film Office has the ability and re-sponsibility to match those talents with the resources available to bring the work and visions of the underrep-

Other News

New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) Events Celebrate Ameri-

can Indian Culture and & Promote Native Film Talent

Internal Revenue Service

Stakeholder, Partnership,

Education, and

Communication (SPEC)

continued on page 21 continued on page 21

21

financial insights Satisfy community out-

reach goals or require-ments

Join our partner network and provide your clients, employ-ees and members with infor-mation and assistance they need, want and value. Theres no specific formula for reaching our shared goals through the strength of com-munity based partnerships. We work with a variety of organi-zations to support local and national initiatives and offer support in the following areas: Technical tax expertise Research data based on

tax filing statistics Customized tax education Marketing products and

materials Access to local and na-

tional partnership net-works

Suggestions and support for building coalitions

Ideas for local and national partnership models

How do you get involved in the Volunteer Income Tax Assis-tance Program (VITA)?

To get involved in VITA, please contact Liz Perea at (505) 837-5539 or via e-mail Eliza-beth.L.Perea@irs.gov. You can also visit our website at www.irs.gov (keyword: VITA).

As a cabinet-level department, the Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is the lead coordinating agency in New Mexico state government for ensuring effective interagency and state-tribal government-to-government relations. IAD rein-forces tribal governmental efforts to ensure that Native American concerns and needs are addressed in state policy-making decisions; effectively manages, and facili-tates ways to increase and lever-age, state resources to benefit Na-tive Americans; and successfully collaborates with national, tribal, state and local agencies, entities, and organizations.

Other News Internal Revenue Service

Stakeholder, Partnership,

Education, and

Communication (SPEC)

IAD Mission

Statement

New Mexico Film Office continued

resented Native population to the at-tention of the mainstream film industry. Our office has made significant progress in this effort and will continue to do so in the coming year and beyond, says

Lisa Strout, Director of the New Mex-ico Film Office.

Learn more about the NM Film Office and projects in production at http://www.nmfilm.com/.

IAD Vision

Statement

New Mexicos Native American citi-

zens will have the resources neces-

sary to improve their quality of life

and maintain their cultures and lan-

guages through collaborative, pro-

ductive and lasting government-to

government relationships between

the Sate of New Mexico and Indian

tribes, nations and pueblos as well

as through effective participation

of Native Americans in all aspects

of state government.

The views expressed in this

publication do not necessarily

reflect the opinions or the offi-

cial policy or position held by

the Indian Affairs Department

or the State of New Mexico.

Tribal Liaisons Earn

Praise continued

Taxation and Revenue Depart-ment Patrick Preston (Staff At-torney)

Tourism Department Travis Suazo (Tourism Development Divi-sion Director & Indian Tourism Pro-gram Manager)

Workman's Compensation Ad-ministration Roberta Baca (Office of the General Counsel) and Renee Blechner (Office of General Counsel)