Letter from the President – November, 2025

We Celebrate All Tribes and Pueblos

It is no secret that I am a proud citizen of the Navajo Nation—one of the 23 Tribal Nations that call New Mexico home, alongside our Pueblo and Apache relatives. Our state is extraordinary for many reasons, but the strength and cultural richness of our Indigenous tribal peoples and communities are at the very heart of what makes New Mexico such a remarkable place to live.

Each November, during National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate and honor the contributions, histories, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native tribes, pueblos and villages. While I am grateful for this dedicated month of learning and celebration, I would be remiss—as the new President and CEO of the New Mexico Foundation—if I did not work to uplift, support, and honor the tribes and pueblos of New Mexico every single day of the year.

With that commitment, I am proud to announce that the New Mexico Foundation will formally elevate its work with tribes and pueblos as a core priority of the Foundation. This is not a new direction, but a deepening of our long-standing relationship with tribal communities and Native-led organizations—one built through many years of listening, partnership, and shared purpose. Our renewed focus and now, formal commitment, reflects both our responsibility and our aspiration: to stand alongside tribal leaders, community members, and Native-led organizations as they advance their vision for strong, thriving, self-determined communities.

In the coming year, we look forward to sharing our approach as we build on the wisdom, teachings, and relationships that have shaped our work to date. We are excited to invest in strategies that honor sovereignty, strengthen community priorities, and uplift the voices of our tribal relatives.

As a Diné tribal member and fellow New Mexican, my personal commitment is to ensure that our work at the Foundation remains grounded in humility, generosity, and respect. I will do my best to lead our work with my authentic self and to bring the elements that I have been taught to this work. And together, let us celebrate all tribes and pueblos, not just this month, but every day.

With gratitude,

Justin h signature in black no background

Justin Kíí Huenemann
President and CEO
New Mexico Foundation