WASHINGTON D.C. — Members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council gathered to support tribal responsibility in protecting sacred ceremonies and medicines during a panel at the American Indian Religious Freedom Summit on Nov. 19.

The summit, organized by the Native American Church of North America and the National Congress of American Indians, brought together tribal leaders including Council Delegates Germaine Simonson, Cherilyn Yazzie, Shawna Ann Claw, Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya, and Gov. Reggie Wassana of the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. The panel was moderated by Navajo attorney Justin Jones.

The panelists reflected on Public Law 103-344, the American Indian...

SANTA FE — New data reveals promising results on youth mental health and substance use. The New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey shows from 2021 to 2023, adolescent mental health improved after eight years of worsening.

Also in 2023, adolescent alcohol, nicotine and other substance use decreased following years of decline.

Similar encouraging news is found on other fronts in the survey, taken in 2023 by some 18,000 students statewide. In 2023, high school students were 17% less likely to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness than in 2021. While this was the lowest prevalence since 2017, mental health remains a major youth health issue, as more than one in...

ALBUQUERQUE — The Board of Directors of the New Mexico Foundation for Open  Government has named Christine Barber as the new Executive Director of the organization beginning Nov. 25.

Her past employment includes work as executive director of two non-profit organizations  focused on providing services to marginalized individuals and work as a journalist at the Gallup Independent, the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Albuquerque Journal. She is  also a published and award-winning author.

“Transparency and the public’s right to know are coming under attack from numerous fronts,”  Jessica Onsurez,  NMFOG's president, said. “We are pleased to welcome Christine onboard at this...

SANTA FE — New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Outdoor Recreation Division announced $4.3M in Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant awards to 16 recipients across 10 counties on Nov. 18. The Trails+ Grant program supports the design, construction, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure throughout the state.

“We’re extremely proud to support projects that enhance the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of outdoor recreation across New Mexico,” EDD Secretary-Designate Rob Black said. “This round of grants will restore over 350 miles of fire-damaged trails, supporting the recovery of New Mexico’s forests and increasing access to these wild and vital...