New Mexico Announces Plans for Missing and Slain Native American Response Council
A new advisory council is being formed in New Mexico to implement a state response to cases of missing or slain Native Americans. State officials emphasized that this initiative aims to bring closure and resolve as they renew their commitment to addressing the crisis affecting Indigenous communities in the United States and Canada.
After concerns were raised by advocates about the dissolution of the task force responsible for the state’s response plan, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the establishment of the new council. The criticism prompted a renewed focus on the stalled implementation of the plan and communication issues between law enforcement and victims’ families.
Governor Lujan Grisham’s office stated, “Bringing more law enforcement to the table will help address a major crux of this issue: a lack of coordination among federal, tribal, state, and local entities.” The new council aims to work towards bringing missing Native people home, providing closure for families and communities, and preventing future tragedies.
Pojoaque Pueblo Gov. Jenelle Roybal and Picuris Pueblo Gov. Craig Quanchello have been selected to lead the council. The plan for the number of council members was not disclosed, with Secretary James Mountain also providing limited details during a recent meeting in Albuquerque.
Advocate Darlene Gomez expressed disappointment that concrete goals for the council had not been outlined. Federal recommendations and the establishment of task forces in other states highlight the urgency of the situation. The federal government is expected to respond to these recommendations early next year, similar to states such as Arizona, which faces a deadline for the release of a report on legislative and administrative recommendations.
The complexity and historical roots of the problem, outlined in the state response plan, are comparable to the issues identified by the federal Not Invisible Act Commission. Acknowledging the framework of the problem will be crucial in guiding the council’s strategies moving forward.
