Former Pueblo of Isleta governor dies

A former Pueblo of Isleta governor lauded for his dedication to teaching Native youth with a focus on preserving tribal culture has died.

Max Zuni, who served multiple terms as Isleta governor, died Wednesday. The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) first reported the death and did not release a cause or say how old Zuni was.

“This is a great loss, and I am sending good thoughts to the Pueblo of Isleta and Governor Zuni’s relatives,” state Indian Affairs Secretary Josett D. Monette said in a news release. “I am so grateful and honored for the opportunity to have worked with him both at the Pueblo of Isleta and in my role with IAD as he was always a joyful, inspiring and respectful leader.”

Zuni most recently served as governor in 2023 and 2024 and, during that time, he visited 137 Isleta high school students across three districts to hear their concerns — emphasizing the importance of carrying on their culture, learning their Native language and embracing tradition.

Throughout his leadership, Zuni focused on tribal education and cultural preservation.

“New Mexico has lost a true partner and champion for his people,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in a news release. “Governor Zuni understood that real leadership isn’t about taking credit — it’s about taking responsibility.”

The New Mexico House Democrats issued a statement Thursday saying Zuni “showed up for his community every single day.” The group applauded Zuni for his governance in navigating the COVID pandemic and improving an assisted living facility in Isleta.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Governor Zuni, who was a respected champion of Indigenous education, tribal sovereignty, and the preservation of Native history, cultures, and traditions throughout New Mexico,” they wrote in a statement.

“Governor Zuni understood the importance of honoring our past, while also investing in our future by engaging, inspiring, and supporting the next generation.”

In a 2019 interview, during the state’s inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, Zuni was asked about the significance of the event.

“It should have happened several hundred years ago,” Zuni said. “... Our cultural traditions have been carried on for thousands of years, and we hope and pray that they will be around another thousand years... that our younger people know the histories of our pueblos, our Native Americans, and they keep on all the traditions for a long time.”