FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6th, 2022
Contact: Teran Villa, [email protected]
All Pueblo Council of Governors Leadership Transitions in 2022
Albuquerque (NM) – The All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG), collectively representing the 20 Pueblo Nations of New Mexico and Texas, held deliberations at their final 2021 meeting in December to close business and exercise their process for designating new officers. The outcome of the December deliberations to lead APCG for the next two years are:
- Chairman Mark Mitchell, Former Governor of Tesuque Pueblo
- Vice Chairman Jerome Lucero, Former Governor of Zia Pueblo
- Secretary Val R. Panteah Sr., Governor of Zuni
Statement from Chairman Mitchell on new role:
“It is an incredible honor to assume the responsibility and privilege to lead the Pueblo Governors as Chairman of their Council. This Council is over 400 years old and has represented the Pueblos among three separate sovereigns onto our lands – Spain, Mexico, and the United States. The Pueblos owe who we are to this body and without our ancestors’ incredible foresight and action, we would not enjoy our languages and culture that sustains and nurtures us. Today, APCG stands strong and united to continue advocating for the protection of our languages, culture, and landscapes and I look forward to fulfilling the promise of our nations.”
Statement from Vice-Chairman Lucero on new role:
“Thank you to my fellow Pueblo Governors for the recognition. As any Pueblo leader understands, to be called into service is not taken lightly. We understand the Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit remains an issue for the State of New Mexico’s Governor and Legislature to resolve and it is APCG’s collective priority and responsibility to help our legislative champion Rep. Derrick Lente (D-65) to advance the Tribal Remedy Framework ahead of the 2022 legislative session. I am prepared to help any way I can.”
Statement from Secretary Panteah on new role:
“It is an obligation of any Pueblo leader to assume a role upon the call to service. This is not my first term as an officer of the APCG, so I feel confident that the Council’s incredible foresight and vision will be advanced. If the win on Sacred Sites protection in 2021 by President Biden’s announcement to withdraw federal lands and minerals in the Greater Chaco Region is any indication of APCG’s incredible strength, let the 2021 Redistricting efforts that advanced the principle of Tribal Self-Determination serve as that reminder. Much work remains and we are ready to continue the brave and honorable work ahead.”
The Officers assumed their positions on January 1st, 2022.
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