New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez (R). Photo from Facebook

Tribal leaders will address the New Mexico Senate today after being left off the agenda for American Indian Day last week.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez (D) said tribes should have been given an opportunity to address the joint session of the New Mexico Legislature on Friday. That didn't happen because Republican organizers gave the platform to Gov. Susana Martinez (R).

"The other day, at American Indian Day, they weren't given the opportunity to talk to us," Sanchez told The Santa Fe New Mexican. "They are sovereign nations, and we want to hear what they have to say."

New Mexico is home to 22 tribes. Native Americans make up 10.4 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the second-highest percentage of states.

Get the Story:
Encore for American Indians (The Santa Fe New Mexican 2/11)
Legislative Roundup, Feb. 11, 2015 (The Santa Fe New Mexican 2/11)

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