Opinion: Working with New Mexico tribes to protect sacred sites

Parts of these State Trust Lands were formerly tribal lands and are of significant cultural, religious and historical importance to tribal communities. For this reason, I have made a commitment to consult with Tribal Nations on projects that may impact their communities before we enter into any long-term leases, land exchanges, or sales.

By working closely with pueblo governors, tribal councils and other tribal officials, we are able to better protect significant sites and ensure there are not adverse, long-term legacy issues that will negatively impact the tribal communities, the land, and native and migratory wildlife.

I have worked hard to foster relationships that make it simple and easy to communicate, and have done so not only with tribal communities within the geographic borders of New Mexico, but also with tribes beyond the state who have important cultural and religious ties to cultural properties in New Mexico. Planning renewable energy projects, which often entail large tracks of land, are an example of some of the areas where this consultation occurs.

I also believe that meaningful consultation and collaboration should entail more than last minute notifications by our agency about proposed projects. We continue to work hard to be proactive in our communications with tribes on future and prospective projects. For example, on multiple occasions, I have visited with tribal leaders to communicate my commitment to work together to create economic opportunities and protect important cultural and sacred sites.