OPINION: SB163 is essential bill for Native students

In New Mexico, a state where over 11% of the total population is Native American, Senate Bill 163 stands as a beacon of hope, justice and recognition. Our state’s unique demographic and cultural fabric — woven with the rich histories of 23 federally recognized Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations — makes this bill not just significant, but essential. Native American culture is not something that exists in the past; it pulses through every corner of our state, celebrated, honored and yet, at times, still misunderstood. We, as Native peoples, are vital contributors to every sector of our communities. We are leaders in business, culture and civic life, yet we continue to fight for visibility, respect and understanding. We fight against the outdated stereotypes of our ancestors and demand that our sovereignty and heritage be acknowledged and respected, not diminished.

SB163 introduced by Sens. Benny Shendo, Jr., Angel M. Charley, Cindy Nava, and Reps. D. Wonda Johnson and Michelle Paulene Abeyta — titled Tribal Regalia at School Events — is not merely a legislative proposal; it is a profound step toward reclaiming our cultural space and affirming our identity. It is a call for justice, for the right of Native American students to wear their traditional regalia proudly and without fear. For so long, these cultural expressions were suppressed, their significance denied. This bill is a step toward restoring and honoring those practices, allowing our future generations to walk into schools as their full, authentic selves — empowered and unafraid.

Educational impact in Native American communities

The challenges faced by Native American students in our state are not just academic — they are deeply rooted in a system that has long disregarded our needs, our histories and our inherent worth. The disparities in academic achievement, starkly highlighted in the Martinez-Yazzie case, are a reminder of the uphill battle our children face. But we will not allow their potential to be defined by a system that refuses to recognize their true value. Native American students need to see themselves reflected as heroes, as warriors, as intellectuals, as storytellers. They need to walk into their schools not feeling marginalized but seen — honored for the cultures and histories they carry with them. When our students are allowed to express themselves, to share their stories, to walk in their regalia, they are empowered to succeed. This cultural recognition transforms the school experience, encouraging Native American students to stay engaged and reach for excellence.

Thought leaders in Native American education, like Dr. Christine Sims (Acoma Pueblo), Dr. Glenabah Martinez (Taos/Diné), Dr. Natalie Martinez (Laguna Pueblo), and Azella Humetewa, MBA-Ed (Santo Domingo/Acoma Pueblos), have tirelessly fought to change the narrative through the development of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s Indigenous Wisdom Curriculum Project and in their own respective lines of work. They have dedicated their lives to shaping resources, training educators and leading the charge in Indian Education. Their wisdom, their leadership, their unyielding commitment has been instrumental in advancing our cause.

Strengthening tribal sovereignty and identity

For New Mexico’s Native communities, SB163 is more than a victory for our students — it is a statement about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. The right to wear regalia is a declaration of our sovereignty, an affirmation that our cultures will not be erased, that we will not be silenced. The state of New Mexico has a long, proud history of Native activism, and this bill strengthens that legacy by supporting our right to live openly and proudly as Indigenous people. The All-Pueblo Council of Governors continues to be at the forefront of this fight, advocating for the social, cultural and traditional well-being of our Pueblo communities. Through our sovereign rights, we will continue to protect and promote our language, health, economic and educational advancement. The need for SB163 is a reminder that our work is far from finished — it is a call to action to protect our rights, our values and the future of our people.

SB163 is a powerful, necessary step forward for New Mexico. It is a bill that affirms the cultural identity of Native American students, aligns with the state’s rich and diverse heritage, and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and healing. It is a declaration that New Mexico values the contributions, the strength and the enduring presence of its Indigenous peoples. By passing this bill, we are ensuring that Native American students can graduate not only with the knowledge they need to thrive in the world, but with pride in who they are — respect for their traditions, their stories, and their undeniable place in the future of this state.

Our culture is not a story of the past — it is a living, breathing force that shapes our lives today and will continue to inspire the generations of tomorrow. Through the stories and lessons of our grandparents, through the strength of our ancestors, we rise. And we will continue to rise, proudly, boldly and without apology.