SCOTUS Upholds Indian Child Welfare Act, Fmr. Pueblo Gov. Reacts to Chaco Park Withdrawal & Juneteenth in NM

June 30, 2023

NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio opens this week’s episode with updates on some key headlines in New Mexico, including the Attorney General’s decision to drop some of the charges against former UNM Athletic Director Paul Krebs. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court rules against the Navajo Nation in a key water rights case.

Gene Grant and The Line Opinion Panel react to the 7-2 U.S. Supreme Court decision preserving a system that gives preference to Native Americans in adoption and foster care proceedings related to Native children.

NMIF Correspondent Antonia Gonzales is getting new reaction to the U.S. Interior Department’s order to end oil and gas leases on federal lands in Chaco Culture National Historic Park and the 10-mile surrounding area. This week she speaks with a former Acoma Pueblo governor and current chair of the Chaco Heritage Tribal Association about the cultural significance of the park, and what the decision signals for the relationship between tribes and the federal government.

Finally, Gene and The Line Opinion Panel return to talk about the history of Juneteenth, how it became a holiday and its significance in New Mexico.

Host: Lou DiVizio

Line Host: Gene Grant

The Line Opinion Panel:

Dede Feldman, Democratic former New Mexico state Senator

Trip Jennings, executive director, New Mexico In Depth

Michael Bird, former president of the American Public Health Association

Correspondent: Antonia Gonzales

Guest: Brian Vallo, former Governor of Acoma Pueblo, chair Chaco Heritage Tribal Association

For More Information:

Supreme Court preserves law that aims to keep Native American children with tribal families – The Associated Press

SCOTUS ruling on ICWA a victory for welfare of Native American children – Source NM