NM tribes formalize collaboration policies
Historic state-tribal milestone is part of the State Tribal Collaboration Act

SANTA FE, N.M. - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson on Dec. 22 announced the signing and adoption of Tribal Collaboration Communication Policies by every Cabinet-level agency, a first in New Mexico's history. This achievement in state-tribal relations began with the State Tribal Collaboration Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Richardson earlier this year.

"With the adoption of these policies, all cabinet agencies now have a formal process in place for communication and collaboration with the sovereign tribal governments in New Mexico," Gov. Richardson said. "These policies form a strong foundation to work on a government-to-government basis to better address the needs and concerns of our Native American citizens."

The adoption of Tribal Collaboration Communication Policies will allow for more effective communication and collaboration and will ensure that the state and tribal governments are able to work together to address disparities facing tribal communities. They were created collaboratively by six state-tribal workgroups, each led by both a tribal co-chair and state co-chair.

"I want to thank Gov. Richardson and tribal leaders for their vision, leadership and strong support of the State-Tribal Collaboration Act and for ensuring that all cabinet agencies implement the provisions that are part of this Act. The Indian Affairs Department is proud to be a partner with state agencies and tribal governments as we work to forge greater cooperation on issues of mutual concern," stated Alvin Warren, Cabinet Secretary for Indian Affairs.

"In the spirit of the State-Tribal Collaboration Act, tribes have been working collaboratively with the state of New Mexico ... over the past four months to establish policies and procedures to effectively establish better communication, cooperation, collaboration and tribal consultation between the state of New Mexico agencies and the 22 tribes of New Mexico. Tribal leadership thanks Gov. Richardson and his state agency leadership for the inclusion of tribal voices to this important and beneficial process," remarked Norman J. Cooeyate, Governor of Zuni Pueblo.

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