In New Mexico, a bill has been approved by the Legislature to establish a “turquoise” safety alert system for missing Native American individuals. The state Senate unanimously passed the initiative, which is now headed to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for final approval. This system aims to address the high number of disappearances and fatalities in Indian Country by enabling law enforcement to swiftly disseminate information about missing Native Americans. Modeled after existing “amber” and “silver” alerts for children and the elderly, the proposed “turquoise alert” system will issue cellphone notifications when there is evidence of immediate danger in the disappearance of a Native American individual. The legislation was co-sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Angel Charley of Acoma Pueblo, who emphasized the importance of addressing past failures in responding to cases involving missing or murdered Native people.
Other states, including California, Washington, and Colorado, have similar safety alert systems, while Arizona is also exploring the implementation of its own alert system following the tragic death of San Carlos Apache teenager Emily Pike. With 23 federally recognized tribes in New Mexico, including significant portions of the Navajo Nation and the Fort Sill Apache, the state has a diverse and vibrant Native American community whose safety and well-being were central topics during the recent legislative session. Additionally, a separate bill signed by Governor Lujan Grisham allows students to wear their own Native American regalia at graduation and other school events, promoting the celebration of cultural heritage and freedom of expression.
