Tribal Education Trust Fund Unanimously Passes House

Increases funding and allows greater tribal sovereignty in education across New Mexico’s tribes, nations, and pueblos

Santa Fe, N.M. - House Bill 134, which would create a Tribal Education Trust Fund and recognize the right of New Mexico’s tribes, nations, and pueblos to have greater authority over their children’s education, unanimously passed the House of Representatives today. 

The Tribal Education Trust Fund would make an annual 5% distribution to the Public Education Department to then be disseminated to each of New Mexico’s 23 tribes, nations, and pueblos. Distributions would be based on the size and needs of each community, as determined by a specialized formula established by tribal leadership. 

“The sovereignty of our tribal communities includes oversight of our children’s education,” said lead sponsor Rep. Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo). “The Tribal Education Trust Fund will ensure that all of our tribes, nations, and pueblos can implement culturally-relevant curriculum that incorporates their unique customs and traditions, keep Native languages alive, and improve student outcomes.”

The state budget, House Bill 2, currently contains $50 million for the creation of the Trust Fund. 

Co-sponsors of House Bill 134 include Reps. Anthony Allison (D-Fruitland), Charlotte Little (D-Albuquerque), Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock), and Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque). The bill now heads to the Senate. 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2024 session. Members of the public can view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.   

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