U.S. Rep. Gabriel “Gabe” Vasquez pledged his support for Native people and their issues during a listening session Friday at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque .
Vasquez, a Democrat who represents the state’s 2nd Congressional district, told NM Political Report earlier this week that he intended to host a Tribal Task Force meeting and that it would be the first of many. The task force is intended to advise Vasquez on Tribal issues.
He said during opening remarks that he is working with the other members of New Mexico’s congressional leadership on Tribal issues and that working with Tribes are a priority.
“I see you as sovereign nations, as my equal,” he said.
The representatives from various tribes, including Laguna Pueblo, Mescalero Apache, Acoma Pueblo, Jicarilla Apache, the Navajo Nation, Fort Sill Apache and Tohajiilee, spoke at length about problems facing their people.
Virtually all the tribal representatives brought up concerns with water rights. Some said they lack adequate water resources. Others expressed concerns about uranium mining and cleanup, preservation of cultural sites, public safety and jurisdictional issues. Among the other concerns were quality healthcare, infrastructure, educational buildings in significant disrepair, mental health care, affordable housing for both tribal members and for those who live on tribal land to provide education or emergency services.
One councilwoman from the Pueblo of Laguna, Mildred Garcia, said she lives in a village that is next to a former uranium mine.
“In regards to Superfund, nothing has happened. There’s no communication from Congress. We live right there. They’re supposed to come and clean up the mine. Congress hasn’t done anything about it,” she said.
Nora Morris, of the Tohajiilee, said “every tribe speaking here, we all have the same issues.”
“We are leaders. When our people want things, they want it done right away. Not three years or a year. But they want it done right away. It’s really sad,” Morris said.
