Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla listens to Tribal Leaders at Thursday’s Spring Indian Education Summit at Santa Fe Indian School. Courtesy/NMPED

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham listens to a Tribal leader. Courtesy/NMPED

NMPED News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state education leaders joined leaders of New Mexico’s Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations for the semi-annual Government-to-Government (G2G) meeting Thursday at Santa Fe Indian School.  

“The annual Indian Education Summit is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to honor and support Native students, their cultures, and their communities,” Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla said. “Through meaningful consultation and true partnership with tribal leaders, we are working together to ensure that Indian education in New Mexico reflects the voices, values, and priorities of Native nations.”

State government attendees included Padilla, Indian Affairs Cabinet Secretary Josett Monette, Early Childhood Education Department Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky, and Higher Education Department Cabinet Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez.

At this year’s summit, tribal leaders and New Mexico state officials resumed discussion of the implementation of Senate Bill 163, which affirms students’ rights to wear tribal regalia at public school events. Discussions also focused on honoring Native identity, strengthening government-to-government consultation, and advancing the use of Indian education funds through tribally led outcomes that reflect the priorities and visions of Native communities.

Established in 2009 under the State Tribal Collaboration Act, the summit ensures tribal priorities are reflected in state policy. Convened in collaboration with the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, the summit aims to bolster relationships between sovereign tribal governments and the state of New Mexico.

Assistant Secretary KatieAnn Juanico speaking at the meeting. Courtesy/NMPED