The two top officials for the state of New Mexico's Indian Affairs Department tendered their resignations last week, The Santa Fe New Mexican reports.

In letters to Gov. Bill Richardson (D), Secretary Bernie Teba and deputy director Sam Cata did not explain why they were resigning. When contacted by the paper, Cata declined to comment. In his letter, Teba requested a transfer to another state position.

Teba and Cata were among the wave of tribal members appointed to top positions by Richardson, who elevated the Office of Indian Affairs to the Cabinet level.

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Two Resign Top Indian Affairs Positions (The Santa Fe New Mexican 1/29)

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