State News:

Santa Fe – Native American Heritage Month is a celebration of the nation’s first Americans.

In New Mexico, the month honors the 19 Pueblos, 3 Apache tribes, the Navajo Nation and all 574 federally recognized tribal nations.

The month further recognizes the deep and longstanding cultures, traditions and histories of indigenous people.

And provides an opportunity for New Mexicans of all backgrounds to learn about the unique contributions that native people have made to our state and the nation.

As we celebrate Native American heritage month it’s important that we also reflect on the challenges that indigenous communities continue to face. Challenges such as the need to support and improve health and education outcomes, the effort to revitalize and restore native languages, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that has disproportionately impacted tribes and other communities-of-color.

Despite these challenges, indigenous people and tribal governments have remained strong and vibrant. Today, we welcome all New Mexicans to join us in learning about native culture and the indigenous people that make up our unique and beautiful state.

“Let us come together this November and celebrate the enduring legacy of our tribal communities,” Cabinet Secretary Lynn Trujillo said. “A legacy of resilience and strength that ensures that our people will be healthy and prosperous and that our traditional ways of life are honored and respected.”