NMIAD News:

SANTA FE — Secretary Josett D. Monette (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) announced Wednesday that the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) has launched a public awareness campaign about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), behavioral health and suicide prevention, and the Indigenous Youth Council.

Traditional and digital media is rolling out statewide, including billboards, web, video, radio and social media throughout the state.

“I am honored to work alongside New Mexico’s Sovereign Nations and inspired by our Indian Affairs Department’s commitment to the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of Indigenous Peoples across the state,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “New Mexico’s tribal communities are strong, and these homegrown campaigns reflect that strength while connecting Indigenous people to resources that can help them address urgent challenges.”

IAD Secretary Monette said, “I am excited to see IAD’s work, and initiatives highlighted throughout the state, and am grateful that our governor continues to prioritize the well-being of Indigenous people in New Mexico.”

IYC member Alysia Coriz (Kewa Pueblo) said, “The Kinship Pledge campaign represents the culmination of several years of community behavioral health work taken on by the Indigenous Youth Council. The campaign is authentic to us as Indigenous young people. It’s by us, and it’s for us, and the feedback so far has been incredible.”

The campaign includes 56 billboards, with an emphasis on Gallup, Farmington, Alamogordo, Albuquerque and other locations with large Indigenous populations. The web and digital promotions will be seen on screens and mobile devices across the state.