Indigenous Partnerships Program, The Nature Conservancy, NM

John, an indigenous member of the Pueblos of Isleta and Laguna, New Mexico, believed contributions were not complete given his energy and commitment to improving Indigenous communities and lives; he came out of retirement in Fall 2021, as the first-ever Indigenous Partnerships Program Director for the NM Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The goal in this position is to continually align tribes, tribal communities, and tribal members in the conservation mission, to sustain our culture, tradition, and life.

Retired in September 2020 after 31 years of federal service in various capacities within the resource management field. His career began as a wildland firefighter with the Bureau of Indian Affairs evolving to become a national leader in the tribal forest and fire management arena. Included in 20 years of Bureau of Indian Affairs service, were positions as a BIA Regional Forester and Agency Superintendent, a line officer administrator in a multi program, direct tribal relationship role in NM and SW CO.

The Value and Importance of Partnerships

Tribal communities face ecological or environmental challenges related to tribal trust lands and these challenges are often similar or experiences related to lands of other ownerships. Seeking assistance is important in that we can develop support, assistance, funding opportunities to which we can all benefit. This presentation will discuss these important relationships.