State, Tribal leaders gather to chart future of Native early education and care 

SANTA FE – Tribal leaders, early childhood educators, families and state partners will gather Nov. 19-20 at the Ohkay Owingeh Convention Center for Sacred Roots, Sovereign Futures, a statewide convening that marks seven years of government-to-government work at the heart of New Mexico’s early childhood system and sets the course for the years ahead. 

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) will host the convening through its Office of the Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Education and Care. The first-of-its-kind gathering serves as a recognition and celebration of the state-Tribal collaboration built under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s leadership and her administration’s respect and honor for educational sovereignty and self-determination of the 24 Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes of New Mexico. 

When Gov. Lujan Grisham signed the Early Childhood Education and Care Department Act in 2019, the law required the appointment of an Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Childhood Education and Care. Through this office, New Mexico has made historic investments in Native American early education and strengthened government-to-government relationships through ongoing consultation and collaboration.  

“We build stronger systems when we build them together. That has been Governor Lujan Grisham’s vision for New Mexico’s children and families, and the early childhood ecosystem is stronger for it,” said ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. “Sacred Roots, Sovereign Futures represents the best of what government-to-government partnership can achieve. It is an opportunity to honor the trust and collaboration that have guided this work while gathering the wisdom, priorities and perspectives that will help shape the next era of early childhood education and care in New Mexico.” 

In the years since the department was created in 2019, the Office of the Assistant Secretary has turned that mandate into a working partnership. The department holds regular consultation with Tribal leaders, hosts monthly communication calls with Tribal early childhood programs and education directors, and in 2023 gained new authority under the Early Childhood Department Tribal Agreements Act to enter into intergovernmental agreements that put funding and decision-making directly in the hands of Tribal leaders. 

The Sacred Roots, Sovereign Futures convening builds on that foundation. Participants will reflect on what has been accomplished, identify what Native children and families need next and help set priorities for the years ahead. 

The convening will emphasize listening and shared learning. ECECD will gather information from Tribal leaders, early childhood partners, families and community members to better understand priorities, persistent barriers and opportunities for continued collaboration. That information will help inform future policy, program development, investments and government-to-government work. 

“Sacred Roots, Sovereign Futures builds upon generations of Tribal leadership, state partnerships, advocacy, and collective efforts to strengthen early childhood education and care,” said Dr. Joannie Suina, ECECD Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Education and Care. “We have a sacred responsibility to honor the hopes and prayers of our ancestors, uphold Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and carry this work forward for Native children, families, and generations yet to come.” 

Sacred Roots, Sovereign Futures will recognize the early childhood vision championed by Gov. Lujan Grisham while helping create a strong foundation for the incoming administration’s leadership and vision. The convening also comes as New Mexico prepares for a historic transition. Governor-elect Deb Haaland, a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, will become New Mexico’s first Native American governor and the first Native American woman elected governor of any U.S. state when she takes office in January. The convening will help inform the incoming administration’s priorities for Native early childhood education and care and its approach to government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations. 

Registration 

Sacred Roots, Sovereign Futures invites Tribal leaders, educators, early childhood professionals, families, students and community organizations to participate. Register to attend at whova.com/portal/registration/kwhpXwxUc4xrEDfQQamz/. 

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