The city of Albuquerque has been involved in conversations with Pueblos and Tribes since June, when 215 unmarked graves of unidentified Indigenous youth were discovered at the site of a former Indian Boarding School in British Columbia. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with Dr. Theodore Jojola about this difficult history and the current efforts to acknowledge that history and foster healing.

De Haven Solimon Chaffins grew up living with her grandparents on the Laguna Pueblo. The landscape there shaped her view of the world... the natural landscape... and the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine. That huge open pit mine is a federal Superfund site and is still polluting water and causing cancers. This week, Chaffins sits down with Our Land Correspondent Laura Paskus to explain how her artwork explores the story of the mine and its impacts. You can see some of her work at an exhibit called ‘Radon Daughter,’ on display at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center through the end of this month.

Plus, we introduce you to the new Director of the Africana Studies Department at UNM. Kirsten Pai Buick is no stranger to the university, but she takes the helm just as the program prepares to evolve into a fully-fledged ethnic studies department. The pair discuss that transition, and Buick's goals and aspirations as she builds a department. 

Correspondents:

Antonia Gonzales

Laura Paskus

Gene Grant

Guests:

Dr. Theodore Jojola, director, UNM Indigenous Design & Planning Institute

De Haven Solimon Chaffins (Laguna/Zuni), artist

For More Information:

City moving forward to honor burial site of Native American boarding school students - KRQE

City holds community conversations about Albuquerque Indian School burial site – KUNM

Indian School Graves Rediscovered Under City Park – The Paper

Of Hummingbirds and Hope: Radon Daughter Sooths the Yellow Dragon – Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Exposure: Native Art and Political Ecology – IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine, Laguna Pueblo, EPA Superfund Site

The 2022 Legislative Session ended at noon on Thursday, February 17th. A frantic finish helped push many of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s top priorities over the finish line, including a record budget, substantial teacher raises, and a package of crime bills. Our Line opinion panel of working journalists break down those key issues and the tactics used to get them to the governor’s desk.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham laid out an aggressive agenda for the 2022 Legislative Session, especially considering it was just a 30-day, budget session. Some of her big-ticket items were seemingly doomed from the start, such as efforts to position New Mexico as a Hyrdrogen energy hub. Others, like the Voting Rights Act, were defeated by a last-minute filibuster. Our Line opinion panelists break it all down and also react to the surprising news that Speaker of the House Brian Egolf will not run for reelection.

Plus, NMiF Host Gene Grant talks with UNM Political Science Professor Timothy Krebs about the recently completed 30-day Legislative Session.

Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter, Las Cruces Sun-News

Julia Goldberg, reporter, Santa Fe Reporter

Trip Jennings, executive director, New Mexico in Depth

Guest:

Timothy Krebs, UNM Political Science Professor

For More Information:                                 

Gov. touts session successes as 64 bills pass amid challenges – Albuquerque Journal

What passed, what failed in the 2022 legislative session – Santa Fe New Mexican

Legislature: Last full day of 2022 session unfolds, reconciled budget clears both chambers – Las Cruces Sun-News

Voting bill dies as 30-day session comes to an end – Albuquerque Journal

GOP senator's filibuster kills voting rights bill – Santa Fe New Mexican

What the failed cannabis clean up bill means – New Mexico Political Report

NM House speaker won’t seek another term – Albuquerque Journal

Environment Reporter Laura Paskus talks with Rep. Melanie Stansbury (CD-1) about her latest efforts in Washington, D.C. including introducing the Water Smart Access for Tribes Act.

On average, temperatures in New Mexico have risen three degrees since the 1970s. Retired UNM Professor David Gutzler talks about the impacts of warming on New Mexico’s landscapes, rivers, and communities – and discusses why it’s so hard for policymakers and politicians to act on climate.

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Melanie Stansbury, U.S. Representative, (D) New Mexico

David Gutzler, Climate Scientist

For More Information:

Stansbury, Colleagues Introduce Tribal Water Security Bill

H.R. 6238 – Water Smart Access for Tribes Act

Visit the NMPBS Video App

Subscribe to Our Land Weekly

The Super Bowl kicks off today, and for many people that will also include some form of gambling. As the industry reaches more and more into the world of professional sports, the Navajo Nation is taking steps to launch its first Sportsbook. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales learns more about how it works and what it might mean for the Nation and it's finances. 

Gonzales also continues her coverage of a push from Indigenous communities to discontinue the use of Native American names and imagery in professional sports. The latest example has to do with a U.K. rugby team. Antonia learns how the push is paying off and how it might serve as a model for other teams and professional leagues. 

Plus, Native American youth will be gathering soon in Arizona for the first Native Youth UNITY gathering since the pandemic started. Find out more about the event, designed to help young people deal with the stresses, depression and isolation of the last two years. And hear about the star-studded line-up at this unique event. 

For More Information:

UNITY Midyear Conference 2022

Quannah Chasinghorse New Mexico in Focus Interview (September, 2021)

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s push to make New Mexico a hub for hydrogen is barely hanging on. The Line Opinion Panel explores the changes made in a third piece of legislation, and panelists debate the apparent strategic failures in the rollout of this plan.

The panel also reacts to a call for help from the union president at the Bernalillo County Jail. With staffing shortages inching towards a crisis, should the state step in? And does this reality expose a problem in our approach to law enforcement and curbing crime in general?

A package of voting reforms might have a tough time making it through the session before lawmakers head home. The Line Opinion Panel explores what’s inside the pieces that have gotten some traction, and what’s holding back the rest.

Host:

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Andy Lyman, reporter, NM Political Report

Dan Foley, fmr. New Mexico representative

Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican

For More Information:

Committee Considers New Plan on Hydrogen – Santa Fe New Mexican

New Mexico Republicans Line Up Against Environmental Bills – The Paper

Reporter Jerry Redfern Talks Hydrogen Energy – Our Land

Pretrial Monitoring Bill Surfaces in House, Advances Quickly – Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico Legislators Rework Proposed Crime Legislation - KOB

Union President Addresses Staffing Shortage Concerns at MDC – KOB

Voter-Access Bill Advances in New Mexico Legislature – Associated Press

Governor Optimistic of Approval for Tax Cuts, Voting Access – Associated Press

New Mexico Senate Seeks New Protections for Election Workers - KRWG

New Mexico is in the process of deciding how to spend billions of dollars in federal infrastructure dollars. It is no secret that the needs stretch far beyond just our urban communities. Host Gene Grant and Pivotal New Mexico CEO Terry Brunner discuss a new report addressing the infrastructure shortcomings in rural communities and the systemic issues that continually stand in our way when securing funding for all New Mexicans.

Until recently, Jeremy Vesbach was vice-chair of the New Mexico State Game Commission. In conversation with correspondent Laura Paskus, he talks about the commission’s roles and responsibilities and about a controversial stream access rule in the state. Vesbach is the second commissioner Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has removed from the commission, which currently only has four of seven seats filled.

New Mexico is caught in the middle of an investigation into the 2020 election, and the January 6th Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Our Line Opinion Panelists react to accusations that several New Mexicans submitted fraudulent electoral college certificates declaring Donald Trump winner, despite Joe Bien receiving the majority of votes in our state. Was this a coordinated effort, and what could it mean for the future of the republican party in New Mexico?

Correspondents:

Gene Grant

Laura Paskus

Line Opinion Panelists:

Sophie Martin, attorney

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Ed Perea, attorney

Guests:

Terry Brunner, CEO, Pivotal New Mexico

Jeremy Vesbach, fmr. State game commissioner

For More Information:

Jan. 6 Committee Subpoenas Fake Trump Electors in 7 States – Associated Press

Jan. 6 Committee Subpoenas 2 Republicans From New Mexico - KOAT

Trump’s Fake Electors – Here's the Full List – Source NM

Rural Infrastructure Report – Pivotal NM

NM Considers Prioritizing Rural Water Projects – Santa Fe New Mexican

Governor Names New State Engineer – Albuquerque Journal

Governor Removes Member from State Game Commission – Albuquerque Journal

Visit the NMPBS Video App

Subscribe to Our Land Weekly

A package of anti-crime initiatives is gaining support in the state Legislature. Our Line panelists break down what’s included in those proposals and debate the potential impacts the bills could have. Plus, how the recent social outcry for police reform factors into this decision-making process.

More than three years after a court ruling mandating change, the state legislature is considering a trio of bills aimed at making education more equitable for all New Mexican Students. Out Line Opinion panelists debate whether the proposals go far enough to help Native American students in response to the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit.

Environment Correspondent Laura Paskus and Capital & Main journalist Jerry Redfern explore what we know about hydrogen power. Redfern has been covering energy issues for years and explains why some environmental groups are apprehensive about New Mexico’s push to become a hub for hydrogen.

Correspondents:

Laura Paskus

Gene Grant

Line Opinion Panelists:

Sophie Martin, attorney

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of New Mexico

Ed Perea, attorney

Guest:

Jerry Redfern, reporter, Capital & Main

For More Information:

Three Crime-Related Bills Make it Through Committee – Santa Fe New Mexican

Behavioral Health Bill Advances, Focuses on Crime Prevention - KRQE

Pretrial Detention Bill Clears House Committee Despite Skepticism – Las Vegas Optic

NM Lawmakers Advance Native American Education Bills – Associated Press

Bills to Address Yazzie/Martinez Court Ruling Advance – NM Political Report

Indigenous Educators Urge Lawmakers to Fund a Transformation of Public Schools – Source NM

New Mexico’s Delicate Dance to Become a Center of U.S. Hydrogen Production– Capital & Main

Proposed Hydrogen Hub Generates Controversy – Santa Fe New Mexican

NM Leaders Hanging on to Hydrogen Energy Despite Bill’s Defeat – Carlsbad Current Argus

Lawmakers are considering new legislation that would put New Mexico on a pathway to become a leader in hydrogen energy production. But is there enough science to merit such an investment? Our Line Opinion panelists explore the unknowns of the controversial energy source, and weigh the potential economic consequences for New Mexico if lawmakers hesitate on taking the lead.

Gene Grant sits down with tax expert Richard Anklam to dig through the tax cuts being weighed in the legislature. Are these reforms thorough enough to make a difference for New Mexican families and businesses? Plus, are there risks to making tax cuts right now?

Plus, Lawmakers are firmly focused on completing the obligations of this year’s regular session, but how much does the upcoming midterm election play into their decision making? Our Line Opinion panelists try to identify the motivations of some recent developments in Santa Fe as some lawmakers position themselves for reelection.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Diane Snyder, former state senator

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter & columnist, Las Cruces Sun-News

Guest:

Richard Anklam – Director, New Mexico Tax Research Institute

For More Information:

State Agencies, National Labs Team Up in Zero-Carbon Hydrogen Effort – NM Political Report

New Data Shows Massive Climate-Warming Leaks by NM Oil & Gas Operators – NM Political Report

State & National Laboratories Execute Agreement on Development of Zero-Carbon Hydrogen – Los Alamos Reporter

House Bill 4 – Hydrogen Hub Development Act

New Mexico May Limit of Scrap Tax on Social Security Income – Las Cruces Sun-News

Legislative Updates & Proposed Legislation – Tax.NewMexico.Gov

New Mexico Tax Research Institute

State Republican Party Sues Over Redistricting Map – The Paper

Republican Party Challenges New Mexico Political Maps – Associated Press

Governor Steps in as a Teacher for a Day – Albuquerque Journal

Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks one-on-one with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver about a set of new voting reforms moving through the legislature. The proposed changes are aimed at expanding access and participation in our elections. The Secretary also touches on a recent survey measuring voter confidence in our electoral system.

The Line Opinion panel reacts to our interview with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, and weighs in on the proposed voting reforms introduced to the legislature. Our panelists debate the merits of the proposals to remove barriers to absentee voting, extend opportunities for early voting, and to lower the voting age to 16.

Correspondent:

Gwyneth Doland

Guest:

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver – New Mexico (D)

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Diane Snyder, former state senator

Algernon D’Ammassa, reporter & columnist, Las Cruces Sun-News

More Information

Survey Finds Faith in Elections Faltering in New Mexico – Santa Fe New Mexican

2020 NM Election Administration, Voter Security & Election Reform Report

Gov., Secretary of Secretary of State Announce Voting Reform Plan – Gov. Office

Environment Report Laura Paskus is joined by Michael Dax, Western Program Director for Wildlands Network, to talk about a draft Wildlife Corridors Action Plan from the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

The plan comes out of the Wildlife Corridors Act of 2019 and identifies 11 priority safe passage projects to protect wildlife and drivers. These include underpasses and overpasses throughout New Mexico.

In 2018, the Our Land team covered this issue in an episode about the Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Project, from NMDGF and NMDOT. You can watch that here.

More Information:

Wildlife Corridors Action Plan: https://wildlifeactionplan.nmdotprojects.org/

2019 Wildlife Corridors Act: https://wildlifeactionplan.nmdotprojects.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/39/2021/04/New-Mexico-Wildlife-Corridors-Act-2019.pdf

Wildlands Network: https://wildlandsnetwork.org/