Council Congratulates Lynn Trujillo, Newly Appointed Cabinet Secretary Designee for New Mexico Indian Affairs Department

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (left) appointed Lynn Trujillo (right) as the Cabinet
Secretary Designee for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department on Jan. 22, 2019 in Santa Fe, N.M.

Published January 23, 2019

SANTA FE — On Tuesday, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Lynn Trujillo as the Cabinet Secretary Designee for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department. The 24th Navajo Nation Council Speaker Pro Tem Seth Damon (Bááháálí, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Tsé Lichíí’, Rock Springs, Tsayatoh) commended Secretary Designee Trujillo on her newly appointed position, and stated that it was critical to work together to continue moving projects forward on the Navajo Nation.

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Ms. Trujillo on her appointment as cabinet secretary for Indian affairs, and Council is looking forward to fostering a positive working relationship with her office. We are seeking her support to move forward our education and capital outlay initiatives, and to cut the red tape to better serve our New Mexico Navajo people,” said Speaker Pro Tem Damon.

Secretary Designee Trujillo, a graduate of the University of New Mexico Law School, formerly served as the general counsel for the Sandia Pueblo and worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture specializing in rural development. If confirmed by the state legislature, Secretary Designee Trujillo would serve a four-year term.

Council Delegate Mark Freeland (Becenti, Crownpoint, Huerfano, Lake Valley, Nageezi, Nahodishgish, Tse’ii’ahí, Whiterock) stressed the importance of adequate and meaningful tribal consultation between the Navajo Nation and the state of New Mexico, and stated he is eager to begin working with the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department to aid him in supporting his chapter communities.

“Congratulations to Secretary Designee Trujillo. We are hopeful that New Mexico Indian Affairs Department and the Navajo Nation Council can work together to address the many issues on the Navajo Nation. We also feel this is an important time for the state of New Mexico to enact and fulfill obligations under the State Tribal Collaboration Act,” said Delegate Freeland.

In 2003, the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department was established to aid in implementing state-tribal policies and to strengthen relations with tribal communities to improve economic development, infrastructure improvement, education, health care, and protection of cultures and indigenous languages.

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