| Albuquerque, November 1—Today begins National Native American Heritage Month, and the Republican Party of New Mexico honors these valued communities and recognizes the many contributions and achievements of Native Americans here in New Mexico and around the nation. Native Americans and our tribal communities are an important part of the fabric of New Mexico. These proud peoples enrich our state and our lives with their history, traditions and treasured culture. Native Americans continue to endure and thrive and play a critical role in the New Mexico landscape despite the many hardships they have encountered over many generations. RPNM not only celebrates the culture and diversity of Native Americans but honor them for their service to our country and the sacrifices they have made in defending our freedoms. The following is a statement from Sharon Clahchischilliage, a member of the Navajo Nation and former Republican member of the NM House of Representatives: “The heritage of Natives in the United States has been viewed as complex and confusing by non-natives. Throughout history the rights of Natives have been highly controversial and have been acquired at a significant cost. During the creation of the United States of America, the indigenous people were at the mercy of patriarchal attitudes to the point of genocide. All of this is because of the need for more real estate for repopulation by non-natives. The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was the first to reference indigenous people as the “true Native Americans.” Thousands of executive orders, court decisions and government rulings continue to prevail as the U.S. government continues to regulate its Native Nations. It seems any successful venture that would improve the livelihood of Native lands is stifled by regulations and environmental activism such as energy-related businesses, gaming, agriculture, land use, dual taxing of small businesses, etc. With all these concerns facing Native Nations, our heritage is being stifled because our Nations are over regulated, yet, we continue to thrive. We are proud of being resilient despite federal policies that attempted to hinder progress or destroy Native Nations. Thank you for acknowledging the importance of our heritage during Native American Heritage Month. Most memorable is that Native Nations helped America win the war through our Code Talkers. THAT IS PATRIOTISM!! I am a Navajo Republican and am extremely proud of my heritage!” |
| The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662. |
