Indian Affairs Committee adopts interim work plan, schedules pueblos visits

The Indian Affairs Committee adopted a proposed interim work plan and discussed locations and dates for upcoming meetings, including invitations from Acoma Pueblo and the Pueblo of Pojoaque.

Staff explained the structure of the work plan, telling members: "we have 4 main topics, a, b, c, d," and said member requests would be slotted under state and tribal relations, education, economic development, and annual reports and updates. The committee adopted the agenda and moved to consider member suggestions for future sites and topics.

Sen. Reitz Wilson told the panel that the Musclero/Muscalero Apache council had approved hosting the committee and urged members to consider a June meeting on tribal land. "The Muscoleuro Apache Bridal Council has approved hosting this committee," he said, asking members to take up proposed site visits.

Members discussed multiple options for rotation and timing. Vice Chair Johnson and other members proposed combinations such as Shiprock with Hickoryea and pairing Acoma with Laguna to limit travel. Staff cautioned that calendar constraints and accounting deadlines limit changes: October was described as a hard set date for some hosts, and additional interim days are difficult to secure.

During public comment, Anna Hansen, a registered lobbyist for the Pueblo of Pojoaque, invited the committee to visit Pojoaque and highlighted local projects including the Pewaukee Regional Water System and a wellness and behavioral-health center funded with capital outlay. Hansen offered a post-meeting bison tour "from, like, 01:30 to 3," and said Pojoaque could host presentations on early childhood programs and the Eagle Ridge property.

The committee did not take roll-call votes on specific location motions; the chair said the agenda was adopted with no objections and the meeting later adjourned. Members were asked to email staff contact details for proposed hosts so arrangements can be confirmed.

The committee is expected to refine the work plan and confirm interim meeting dates and hosts after staff follows up on site availability and logistics.