House Democrats Praise Victory for Tribal Sovereignty

Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected challenges to the national Indian Child Welfare Act. New Mexico House Representatives Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo) and D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock) issued the following statements in response. 

“Today’s decision from SCOTUS is an important victory for tribal sovereignty and for the well-being of Native American children across this country,” said Rep. Lente. “This is not only about the inherent right of tribal communities and families to care for our children, it’s also about what is best for our kids - which is maintaining family ties and staying connected to the culture and traditions that have passed down from generation-to-generation since time immemorial.”

“In New Mexico, we recently solidified and expanded protections for Native American children and families within our state’s child welfare system with the Indian Family Protection Act,” said Rep. Johnson. “However, it’s crucial that we maintain protections at the federal level to preserve and honor the sacred heritage of all Indigenous peoples and safeguard the unique cultural identities of Native children nationwide.”

Representative Johnson is a member of the Navajo Nation and Chairs the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee. Representative Lente is a citizen of Sandia Pueblo and Chairs the House Taxation & Revenue Committee. 

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