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MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2003

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D) signed the state's Indian Education Act into law on Friday at a ceremony with tribal leaders.

The bill represents a partnership between tribes and the state. It calls for improvements in teacher training, language preservation, culturally relevant curriculum, tribal input in accountability and parent involvement.

At the ceremony, held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, Richardson was presented with a cane from the state's 19 Pueblo governors. The cane, a tradition which originated with the King of Spain in the 1600s, is a recognition of tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship.

The gift was the first time a state official was presented with a cane, instead of the other way around. Richardson, a former Clinton Cabinet member, has appointed a record number of Native Americans to high-level positions.

Get the Story:
Richardson Signs Into Law Indian-Education Legislation (The Santa Fe New Mexican 4/5)
Pueblo Leader Gives Richardson Symbolic Cane (The Santa Fe New Mexican 4/5)

Related Stories:
Tribes and states stress cooperation not conflict (02/28)
A record number of Indians on governor's list (02/04)
N.M. governor seeks full partnership with Natives (01/22)
Indians take top posts in N.M. government (01/06)