Guest Essay

Since time immemorial, wolves have lived alongside Indigenous peoples and have represented the virtues of healing, strength, and familial protection.

Every day, federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers in New Mexico pin on their badges, strap on their duty weapons and head out to protect their fellow citizens.

It is great that our leaders are spending significant resources on Hardship Assistance funds to assist our people in alleviating the particular suffering they are experiencing as a result of the ongoing pandemic, and I am also glad to see a substantial portion of ARPA funds being considered for infrastructure spending.

Society is in an epidemic, pandemic and overall concerning and dangerous time with the virus, “politicians” blocking legislation, and the basic needs of the people (food, housing, income and health care, among others) being unmet.

For as long as I can remember, my family and my community have felt the impact of poor infrastructure — but President Biden’s sweeping investments in roads, broadband, water, and more will change Indian Country forever.