Indian Affairs Leaders Visit New Mexico to Strengthen Tribal Partnerships and Highlight Native Education Initiatives

Indian Affairs leadership traveled to New Mexico last week to strengthen partnerships with tribal leaders and highlight the Administration's commitment to advancing educational opportunity in Native communities. Scott Davis, senior advisor to the secretary of the Interior, was joined by Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education leadership in meeting with Pueblo leaders and touring key institutions.

The delegation met with Pueblo leaders to discuss priorities in higher education, workforce development, law enforcement, and the importance of culturally relevant instruction for Native youth. At the Institute of American Indian Arts, they saw firsthand how Native creativity and innovation are shaping the next generation of artists and cultural leaders. At the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, they engaged with faculty and students on the institution's leadership in STEM education, workforce readiness, and career pathways. They also toured Santa Fe Indian School, where leaders celebrated its success as an early adopter under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. These schools exemplify how tribal partnership in education strengthens student achievement, cultural revitalization, and leadership development.

Together, these visits underscored the Administration's commitment to supporting tribal self-determination in education and highlighted the important role these institutions play in preparing students to lead their communities and the nation.