March 17, 2023
Christina M. Castro of the Three Sisters Cooperative introduces speakers at a demonstration against the appointment of James Mountain to lead the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, at the New Mexico state Capitol building in Santa Fe, N.M., on Friday, March 17, 2023. A coalition of advocates dedicated to stemming the tide of violence and missing persons cases in Indian Country are demanding more transparency from New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, saying there should be greater accountability in the system for vetting state-appointed positions that serve Indigenous communities. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee)
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A coalition of advocates dedicated to stemming the tide of violence and missing persons cases in Indian Country is demanding more transparency from New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. About 30 protesters gathered Friday in the state Capitol rotunda to voice concerns about the Democratic governor's contested pick to head the state's Indian Affairs Department. They want the governor to withdraw her appointment of James Mountain, citing charges he once faced. They were joined by legislators including Democratic Sen. Shannon Pinto of the Navajo community of Tohatchi. The Navajo Nation president also has said he cannot support the appointment.
