50th Anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act
November 12, 2025
On November 6, UNM-Taos Indigenous Outreach, in partnership with Taos Pueblo Tribal Leadership, hosted Tribal Councilman Gilbert Suazo Sr. and Taos Pueblo Deputy Tribal Programs Administrator Vernon Lujan for a special presentation on the Return of Blue Lake. UNM-Taos was joined by New Mexico Indian Affairs Secretary Josett Monette, who delivered opening remarks about the foundational importance the Return of Blue Lake had on Indian policy, leading to the Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, also known as Public Law 638.
The event was hosted in honor of Native American Heritage Month by Indigenous Outreach. It was attended by Taos Pueblo community members, the Taos community, and UNM-Taos faculty, staff, and students. The screening of the film Return of Blue Lake to Taos Pueblo was followed by a panel discussion with Taos Pueblo Tribal Leaders about the effort.
Below is the link to the film. We welcome you to learn more about this important topic. Contact Chenoa Velarde, Indigenous Outreach Coordinator, at velardet@unm.edu or 575.737.3774 for more information.
