New Mexico tribes pressed state lawmakers on education, water rights and economic development during the Legislature's Indian Day.

Several tribal leaders addressed a joint session of the House and Senate. They called for greater cooperation with the state.

On the same day, Gov. Bill Richardson (D) signed two executive orders promoting cooperation. One directs state agencies to adopt a tribal consultation policy on the protection of sacred sites and repatriation and the second directs state agencies to adopt a pilot tribal consultation plan.

Also, Richardson signed a memorandum of understanding with the Navajo Nation to collaborate on planning and design of parks and recreation projects, marketing and tourism, public education and other areas of park management. The agreement is the first of its kind in the state.

Get the Story:
Tribal leaders seek help on water, education, economic development issues (AP 2/1)
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Governor outlines Indian initiatives (The Los Alamos Monitor 2/2)

Executive Orders:
Sacred Sites | Consultation Plan

Relevant Links:
New Mexico Indian Affairs Department - http://www.state.nm.us/oia

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