FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 8, 2018
Contact: Chris Nordstrum chris.nordstrum@nmlegis.gov, 415-601-1992
Senator Benny Shendo Elected to Serve as Chair of the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators
Santa Fe, NM
New Mexico Senator Benny Shendo (D-Bernalillo, McKinley, Rio Arriba, San Juan, Sandoval) has been elected Chair of the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators (NCNASL). The NCNASL works to promote a better understanding of state-tribal issues among policymakers and the public at large.
With members from 22 states, the organization provides a forum for discussion among Native American legislators, works to increase awareness of diverse Native American cultures, supports state-tribal communications to encourage open dialogue, understanding and cooperation, and provides research, training, and educational services to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian state legislators.
“It is an honor to have been elected to serve as Chair of the NCNASL,” said Senator Shendo. “There are so many unique and challenging issues facing our Native American populations in this country, I sincerely hope that the contributions this caucus can make will make a positive difference in programs and policies aimed at improving the lives of our tribes nationwide. We can learn much from each other, and speaking as both a senator and a member of the Jemez Pueblo tribe, I appreciate the opportunity to represent New Mexico in this important organization.”
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