Meet IAD
Vision
Our vision is that tribal nations, tribal communities and Indigenous people are happy, healthy and prosperous and that traditional ways of life are honored, valued and respected.
Mission
The NM Indian Affairs Department is committed to be a resource by:
- Advocating for tribal interests at state and federal levels through policy and legislative work;
- Supporting tribes with access to resources, technical assistance and funding opportunities;
- Connecting tribes with the executive branch, other tribes and with the tools and resources they need to be self-governing and self-sufficient.
IAD OVERVIEW
The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a Cabinet Level agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico. It includes two divisions: The Administrative Services Division (ASD) and the Program Services Division (PSD).
IAD investigates and addresses the health, economy, education and legislative impacts affecting Indian conditions and relations in New Mexico. IAD collaborates with other state agencies, promotes public participation and serves as the clearinghouse for all state programs impacting Indian communities.
The department may hold hearings, conduct meetings, investigate issues and partner with tribal, local, state and federal entities to promote the welfare of New Mexico’s Indian people. It also contracts with tribal governments, public agencies or private entities to provide services and facilities for Indian communities.
IAD administers key funding programs:
- Tribal Infrastructure Fund (TIF): Competitive funding for robust community proposals from federally recognized Nations, Pueblos and Tribes.
- Capital Outlay funding: Authorized by the Legislature and the Governor, typically for building, improving or equipping public-use physical property.
Once approved, funds are administered by IAD to Nations, Pueblos, Tribes and tribal-serving organizations.
IAD’s PSD focuses on matters such as Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), Environmental Justice, Policy & Legislation and more.
CABINET SECRETARY
Josett D. Monette, Esq.
Josett D. Monette is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Monette was born and raised for most of her life on her reservation in North Dakota. She has three amazing adult children that she raised as a single mother, and she loves to do Zumba in her spare time.
She achieved her goal of making it to New Mexico in 2012 and now has the honor to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for the State of New Mexico’s Indian Affairs Department (IAD).
Monette holds a J.D., with a certificate in Indian Law from UNMSOL, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education – Social Sciences, and a B.A. in (American) Indian Studies all from the University of North Dakota. She was previously the New Mexico Legal Aid Native American Program Director (NMLA NAP). Working directly with some of New Mexico’s tribes, she briefly served as a Commissioner for the Pueblo of Tesuque Gaming Commission and worked as an Associate Attorney with Barnhouse, Keegan, Solimon, & West, LLP, as an Associate General Counsel for the Pueblo of Isleta. Monette served on the Board of Directors for the New Mexico State Bar Indian Law Section for seven years and sat as an Attorney Bar Exam Coach. She has also assisted with planning several Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Conferences.
Prior to her legal career, Josett was a teacher and educator and worked in education mostly on her home reservation in the Turtle Mountain Community. Monette has served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of New Mexico School of Law (UNMSOL) National Native American Law Student Association (NALSA) Moot Court Team.
