New Mexico Indian Affairs Department

06/02/2026

On this day in 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act, was signed into law, granting citizenship to American Indians and Alaska Natives born within the United States.

The act marked a significant milestone in Native American history while preserving tribal citizenship and the unique government-to-government relationship between tribal nations and the federal government.

Today, tribal nations continue to govern their communities, uphold their sovereignty, and make decisions that reflect the needs, values, and priorities of their citizens. 🪶

05/27/2026

05/22/2026

Secretary Josett Monette and Program Services Division Director Martinez attended the inaugural commencement ceremony for Hózhó Academy in Gallup, New Mexico, where they had the honor of recognizing the school’s first graduating class.

Congratulations to the graduating class as they begin their next chapter and continue building bright futures for themselves and their communities.

To see more photos and highlights from events and community engagement, visit IAD at iad.nm.gov

05/22/2026

We are hiring an Indian Education Administrator (HED #10116565) at the New Mexico Higher Education Department. The ideal candidate will:

The Indian Education Specialist accomplishes their work by actively engaging Tribal Nations, Pueblos, and higher education institutions through direct outreach, in-person visits, and participation in community events. The role gathers and applies research to develop culturally grounded outreach practices and strengthens communication between Tribal communities and state higher education partners. The specialist supports the division's internal operations by attending key meetings, providing technical expertise on Indigenous education strategies, and assisting with the request-for-proposal process and legislative priorities. To improve Indian Education data, the specialist reviews existing agency data systems, identifies gaps, collaborates with Tribal leaders and higher education institutions to design new data collection methods, and establishes consistent processes for gathering and reporting data.

Apply now:
https://careers.share.nm.gov/psp/hprdcg/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_A… (https://careers.share.nm.gov/psp/hprdcg/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=163793&PostingSeq=1)

05/21/2026

The New Mexico Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board awarded $92.9 million for 23 infrastructure projects supporting Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes across the state.

Investments will strengthen water and wastewater systems, health care facilities, public safety infrastructure, roads, and community spaces that improve quality of life for Tribal communities while also benefiting surrounding communities.

Pojoaque Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Zuni Pueblo, Fort Sill Apache, Jemez Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, and multiple Chapters of the Navajo Nation all received awards this cycle.

Since 2006, the Tribal Infrastructure Fund has awarded nearly $419 million for more than 363 projects across New Mexico.

05/20/2026

We’re hiring!

The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department is hiring a Data Analyst who will lead key initiatives and ensure essential resources reach Native communities.

Join the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department and help drive impactful programs that empower Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes.

Deadline to apply: May 26, 2026

Apply at the link in bio or https://iad.nm.gov/

05/11/2026

The Santa Fe Indian School held their annual Senior Honors Symposium where students showcase their research findings and multimedia projects for family, students, staff, school board members, and tribal officials.

IAD’s Cabinet Secretary Josett Monette and Deputy Secretary Aurora Valdez attended and enjoyed an afternoon of presentations and listening to our future leaders.

05/08/2026

Our department held the annual State Tribal Leaders Summit where Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Lt. Governor Howie Morales, Tribal Leaders from Nations, Pueblos and Tribes, Cabinet Secretaries, and more gathered to have meaningful discourse.

Conversations were centered around public safety, childcare, health and behavioral health care, water, and the achievements made under Governor Lujan Grisham’s administration.

As this was the final State Tribal Leaders Summit under this administration, we recognize the work accomplished together and remain committed to building on this foundation through continued collaboration and respect.

Established in 2009 under the State Tribal Collaboration Act, the annual summit ensures that tribal priorities are reflected in state policy and strengthens the government-to-government relationship between the state and sovereign tribal nations.

05/05/2026

It was an honor to host our annual MMIP Awareness Day event.

Today was a powerful testament to the dedication of advocates for MMIP.

Thank you to survivors and family members who were here today.

Thank you to our community members.

Thank you to tribal leadership and our state partners.

We look forward to this continued work with you all.

05/05/2026

May 5th is National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.

We recognize and hold space for those who are victims to this crisis and the families wanting to bring them home.

Our women, our girls, our men, and our Two-Spirit relatives go missing and are murdered at an unconscionable rate.

Murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women and girls in this country.

More than 84% of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime.

We hope on days like today, and with continuing education, we will help our people as we move forward in this crisis.