New Mexico legislators seek endowment to bolster autonomous tribal education programs

By MORGAN LEE
Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico legislators want to create a unique educational endowment of at least $50 million to help Native American communities create their own student programs, include efforts to teach and preserve Indigenous languages. The initiative from Democratic legislators with ties to tribal communities won unanimous House approval Thursday on a 68-0 vote, advancing to the state Senate for consideration. Bill sponsors say the endowment would help reverse the vestiges of forced assimilation and fulfill the state’s commitment to Native American students in the wake of a landmark state court ruling. New Mexico is home to 23 federally recognized tribal communities.