Teresa Leger Fernandez

To establish the Caja del Rio Special Management Area and Caja del Rio National Conservation Area in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes.

in committee

Providing for the expulsion of Representative Tony Gonzales from the United States House of Representatives.

in committee

Small Cemetery Conveyance Act

in committee

“Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, Black History is New Mexico History. From Estevanico, an enslaved man who was the first, that we know of, non-Indigenous person to step foot in New Mexico after an adventure through the Americas that should be legend, to the Buffalo Soldiers who stood watch across this territory, and to the families who built Blackdom out of dust and determination. While the Black community in New Mexico may be small in number, it has never been small in impact. Our state's story cannot be told without them. Before statehood, before the railroads, and before the border crossed us, Black history here has been a story of people who kept showing up. They showed up when there were only 22 Black residents counted in the territory. They showed up when hotels were segregated and yearbooks placed Black students in the back pages. They showed up when banks would not lend and schools would not welcome them. Now, we are all showing up together. There are forces right now that want to erase this history, to whitewash it and ban it from schools, and to call conversations about race ``divisive.'' They have even posted racist videos attacking the Black excellence of a former President and First Lady. They attack Black culture, immigrant culture, and Native culture--as if the richness of our heritage is something to be feared. It may feel like they are winning. But in New Mexico, we know our cultures are not threats. They are treasures. We will not stand by while anyone tries to diminish them. As John Lewis reminded us: ``The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society.'' He also reminded us that ``democracy is not a state. It is an act.'' We believe democracy works best when everyone participates. We come from builders. They built culture. Culture is power. Culture is how people survive what was meant to break them. Black culture will survive this. We will organize. When they try to intimidate voters, we will mobilize. When they try to erase history, we will teach it louder. When they try to tear down our cultures, we will build them up. ____________________”

2026-02-20 · Civil Rights

“Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Michael Canfield, the President and CEO of IPMI, Inc. and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over the last 30 years, Mike's leadership built the businesses and operations of this cultural landmark owned by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The Cultural Center and tribal businesses are on land that was once a boarding school, with the historical complexities that the boarding school era represents. The transformation of the land into a thriving business center, a world renowned cultural center, and a world class Native American charter school, exemplifies the possibilities when Native Americans exercise self-determination and control over their own destiny and resources. He oversaw a restructuring of the museum so that the voice that told the history of the Pueblos was Puebloan, he professionalized the historical archival work, and education department and the restaurant at the cultural center is not only a place for delicious post contact food, but also itself a teaching kitchen. The Cultural center is the most visited site in Albuquerque. The former Albuquerque Indian School campus is a place of spirited community and family. The distinguished Legacy Circle also honors the name of Michael G. Canfield because of his work elevating IPCC to a place of national recognition. This honor exists now as he has helped create endless opportunities for Pueblo people. These visionaries to receive this honor through new IPCC estate plans ensure the strength of the culture and economic stability for generations to come. His leadership focused on his people, the preservation and celebration of Pueblo culture. Visitors steam into the dance circle at the cultural center to watch Puebloan and other indigenous dancers from around the world share both culture heritage and creativity, where the drums reverberate under our turquoise skies. But the Indian Pueblo Marketing, Inc., which is the economic arm of the 19 Pueblos stewardship of their land now boasts two hotels, two major office buildings, restaurants and business centers. The financial return helps fund not just the cultural center activities but also the 19 Pueblos themselves, who in turn use the funds to meet their governmental needs. I had the benefit of working with Mr. Canfield as the attorney for IPMI and can attest to the wisdom and diplomacy he brought to every board meeting, every finance discussion, and every entrepreneurial expansion he proposed. He always balanced the cultural heritage that needed to be preserved and honored and the economic opportunities that beckoned. His impact on the IPCC and the Native American community will be remembered forever. The Pueblo people have always lived on [[Page E1154]] these lands, and their descendants have found another home at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. I am honored to recognize Mr. Canfield so history will remember his name. There is strength in culture and tradition, there are leaders we will follow to show us the way. Let Mike Canfield be remembered as one of those leaders. ____________________”

2025-12-04 · Government Reform

“Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Robert Martin, former President of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As one of the 37 tribal colleges in the United States, and the only fine arts college in the world dedicated to the study of contemporary Native American and Alaskan Native arts, the IAIA fills a vital space in the academic world. A world class arts education institution doesn't just happen overnight; it takes leadership and vision. Dr. Martin spent the last eighteen years providing that vision as he expanded IAIA from 2007 to 2025. The student body represents 99 tribes and includes individuals from 35 states. Dr. Robert Martin has inspired not only Congress, but philanthropists to invest in the school. The many famous alumni, like Sherman Alexie, a celebrated author, poet, and screenwriter, to Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz a historian and author known for works in indigenous issues to the next generation who are active in helping him guide the school and inspire present day students in the classroom and in the studio. He has also championed tribal colleges beyond IAIA because he knows that they nurture the languages that keep tribal cultures alive and vibrant like the Navajo, and the Zuni that even have programs offered at the college. As a champion for indigenous art and education, he nurtures the university mission to empower creativity and mold the indigenous leaders we need. His extensive experience in higher education is a testament to his commitment to indigenous students and stories. I know the impact of his work lives on in the students, faculty, and staff of every institution he has been a part of. His legacy as an outstanding leader in higher education has even earned him his own day in Santa Fe, November 8, called ``Dr. Martin Day''. His dedication to education and cultural preservation has also earned him distinguished recognition from the White House, as one of the recipients of the 2022 National Humanities Medal. I am honored to include his name into the Record, so history will remember him. There is strength in culture and tradition, there are leaders who answer the call. Let Dr. Martin be remembered as one of those leaders. ____________________”

2025-12-02 · Education