The Coalition’s Honoring our 20 Years of Service to New Mexico Tribal Communities dinner reception was a truly memorable event. Thank you to the 130+ attendees who came out and celebrated with us!

Notable guests include Governor Chavarria from Santa Clara Pueblo, Lt Governor Cheweiwei from Isleta Pueblo, US Attorney Damon Martinez, Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Crotty, Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office, and Gary Mike- the father of Ashlynne Mike.

Within the beautiful Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, guests enjoyed wine and a local green chile chicken enchilada plate while browsing a range of donated silent auction items during cocktail hour. As dinner began, our gracious host- Russell Pedro from the American Indian Chamber of Commerce- welcomed guests and ushered in the night’s theme by recognizing attendees and reading a poem inspired by the Coalition’s work.

The Coalition’s Executive Director, Deleana OtherBull, welcomed attendees and introduced the evening’s honorees. She highlighted the longevity of the Coalition’s advocacy, the accomplishments, and ended her speech with an inspiring call to action-

“Let us continue to put our words into action and keep this movement to end violence against Native women and children going… because our little ones need us. They need us to stand up. To speak out. They need us to break the silence, so that the homes our little ones grow up in, are better than the ones we may be healing from.”

Attendees heard from one of the CSVANW’s founders, Peggy Bird, on the inspiring roots of the Coalition and the vision behind the mission.

As the night carried on, guests enjoyed live music and dancing from a local band, Rock’n Ramone. Laughter, an important staple of any Native community gathering, was heard down the halls. It was a great evening!

Again, we thank each and every one of you for coming out and celebrating 20 years with us!