Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2024
CONTACT
Julia Sclafani
Public Relations Specialist
Email: julia.sclafani@ececd.nm.gov
Mobile: (505) 699–5937
1120 Paseo De Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
POJOAQUE, NM — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state education cabinet secretaries joined leaders from New Mexico’s Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations for the semi-annual Government-to-Government (G2G) Indian Education Summit last week at the Hilton Buffalo Thunder in the Pueblo of Pojoaque.
Attendees from the state of New Mexico included the governor, Public Education Department Secretary Designate Mariana Padilla, Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky, Higher Education Department Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez, and Indian Affairs Department Secretary Josett Monette.
The meeting included a discussion of literacy efforts in Tribal communities, and an update from the Office of Special Education on school monitoring visits, professional development, and workforce outreach efforts, as well as an overview of proposed legislation regarding regalia, with input from Tribal leaders.
“As we work to build a more equitable and inclusive education system, it is crucial that our state government partners with the sovereign governments of Nations, Tribes and Pueblos. These meetings are not just about policy; they are about honoring the voices, traditions, and educational priorities of Native communities. Together, we can create pathways that respect cultural heritage while ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said Secretary Designate Padilla.
“Hearing directly from the governors and presidents of the 23 Nations, Tribes, and Pueblos about their priorities and concerns helps ECECD better align our efforts to improve outcomes for Native American children and their families,” said Secretary Groginsky. “ECECD is investing in high quality, culturally and linguistically relevant early childhood Tribal education, enhanced professional development for early educators and expanded early childhood language immersion programs.
“Government-to-government meetings like these are an essential piece of building the problem-solving framework that is required to empower Tribal communities throughout New Mexico. Our agency and this entire administration are committed to maintaining and improving the lines of respectful, productive dialogue as we work together to improve outcomes for Native American students and families.” said Secretary Rodriguez.
“The insights shared by Tribal leaders are crucial to shaping our educational priorities for Native American New Mexico students. Together with our sister agencies, IAD is excited to champion legislation like the regalia bill and other important legislation which honor cultural heritage and tradition while also ensuring our schools promote academic success and are safe spaces for all students,” said Secretary Monette.
Breakout discussions among Tribal leaders covered a diverse array of topics, including:
- Language immersion in early education settings.
- Professional development and pay incentives for bilingual early childhood educators.
- Building strong, culturally relevant early childhood services for Tribal communities.
- Considering the advancement of artificial intelligence technology and how to harness opportunities it creates for Native students.
- Soliciting input and feedback from Tribal leaders on creating culturally sustaining STEM education and developing a statewide vision for science education.
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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham launched the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in 2020, making New Mexico among the first states to consolidate all early childhood programs and services under a single cabinet-level agency. Under this administration, ECECD has led the nation by expanding access to free New Mexico PreK, overseeing the largest investment in early childhood infrastructure in state history, and implementing cost-free child care for a majority of New Mexico families. Learn more about how ECECD supports children, families, and the early childhood professionals that serve our communities at nmececd.org. On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as @NewMexicoECECD.