Allison 1st Diné to head N.M. Indian Affairs

For the first time, a Navajo will head the cabinet level New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, which coordinates tribal and state programs.

Gov. Susana Martinez, R-N.M., appointed Tohatchi, N.M., native Arthur Allison, a small business owner and veteran leader in Navajo Nation government.

"My number one goal is to create economic development and jobs for the communities of New Mexico," said Allison, 61, shortly after Martinez announced her new secretary of Indian Affairs March 31 before a near-capacity crowd at the Phil L. Thomas Performing Arts Center.

Allison said he plans to work with all the state's 22 tribes and that since he is part Zia, he hopes it will help him make inroads with the other tribes.

"Mr. Allison knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing Native Americans in New Mexico," Martinez said in a prepared statement. "I look forward to working closely with him to maintain the important cultural influence that Native Americans make on the lives of all New Mexicans and to advance economic development and education in our tribal communities."

Allison is ´Áshiihí (Salt Clan) born for Tl'ógí (Zia Clan). His maternal grandfather is Tó' Áhání (Water Flows Together Clan) and his paternal grandfather is Táchii'nii (Red Running into Water Clan).

He owns 5 Star Security Inc., a Farmington-based firm specializing in security and patrol services for government and corporate clients in the Four Corners area for over 20 years.

He is chairman of the board of the Diné Development Corp., a holding company established by the Navajo Nation to set up, invest in, own, and operate for-profit business ventures.

Allison served as economic development director of the Navajo Nation from 1995 through 1998. Before that, Allison worked as planning director and acting general manager for the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry.

In addition, he is a former vice president of the city of Farmington's Community Relations Commission, which investigates allegations of racial misconduct.

Allison holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and did post-graduate study in business at Ball State University in Indiana. He is married with five children and has been making his home in Fruitland Chapter.

As secretary of Indian Affairs, Allison will oversee the appropriation and disbursement of millions of dollars in state funds for various projects on tribal land throughout New Mexico, including the Navajo Nation.

State Rep. Sandra Jeff, D-Crownpoint, said the appointment was historic because Allison is the first Navajo to be head the department. Former Gov. Bill Richardson elevated Indian Affairs to a cabinet-level agency in 2003.

Jeff added that Allison's experience in business as an owner and as a tribal leader makes him ideal for the position. She said she helped Martinez in the search to fill the post, the last cabinet-level position filled by the new governor.

"I really emphasized that we really need to have a Navajo candidate," Jeff said.

President Ben Shelly also backed Allison.

"We support Mr. Allison," said Sherrick Roanhorse, the president's chief of staff, who represented Shelly at the Shiprock event. Shelly was in Washington to testify before a congressional panel on energy.

Roanhorse said Allison's experience as head of the tribe's Division of Economic Development should help him create some economic initiatives.

"He knows some of the challenges," he said.

Addressing the Shiprock High and Diné College students who made up most of the audience at the Phil, Allison said, "If a ch'ízhí (rough) boy from Chuska Mountain can become secretary of Indian Affairs ... learning bareback skills off a donkey, you know you can do it, kids. I really honor you."

Martinez also signed a new statement law, the Native American Suicide Prevention Act, at the event.

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