This historic state-tribal milestone is part of the State Tribal Collaboration Act

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today 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 Governor 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,” said Governor Richardson.  “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.   The policies will ensure that the state and tribal governments are able to work together to address disparities facing our 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 Governor 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 in six work group settings, 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 twenty-two tribes of New Mexico. Tribal leadership thanks Governor 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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Caitlin Kelleher

Media Coordinator for Governor Richardson

Office of the Governor

State Capitol, 

Santa Fe, NM

office 505.476.2299| cell 505.795.2480