A bill endorsing the creation of a “turquoise” safety alert system for missing Native American individuals in New Mexico has been approved by the Legislature in Santa Fe. The state Senate voted in favor of the rapid response initiative on Thursday, sending it to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for final approval. The proposed system aims to address the alarming rate of disappearances and fatalities in Indian Country by enabling law enforcement to promptly share information about missing Native Americans. Modeled after existing “amber” and “silver” alerts for missing children and elderly individuals, the “turquoise alert” system would issue cellphone alerts when authorities detect imminent danger in the disappearance of a Native American person. The bill’s co-sponsor, Democratic state Sen. Angel Charley of Acoma Pueblo, expressed the importance of the initiative in addressing past failures in responding to such cases. Other states like California, Washington, and Colorado have similar alert systems, while Arizona is also considering implementing one following the tragic death of San Carlos Apache teenager Emily Pike. New Mexico, with 23 federally recognized tribes including significant portions of the Navajo Nation and land holdings of the Fort Sill Apache, has showcased a commitment to addressing the safety and issues faced by these communities during the legislative session. Additionally, a bill signed by Lujan Grisham allows students to wear their own Native American regalia during graduation and school ceremonies to honor their cultural heritage and promote free expression.
