All Pueblo Council of Governors Endorses Federal Legislation to Protect Caja del Rio

The All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG) has voted to formally endorse federal legislation that would permanently protect the Caja del Rio plateau, located south of Santa Fe.

The legislation, being drafted by Senator Martin Heinrich, aims to safeguard the Caja’s cultural, ecological, and spiritual values — and it has the backing of a broad, growing coalition that includes Pueblo nations, traditional Hispano and land grant communities, historians, elected officials, and conservation organizations.

Pueblo leaders have been clear about what’s at stake. APCG Chairman Joey Sanchez noted that this effort is rooted in community: “The Pueblos are working with our neighbors in the Hispano and land grant communities because we all agree the Caja needs to be protected.” Former Governor Pete Herrera of Cochiti Pueblo put it plainly: “This effort did not come from one voice alone. It reflects years of work across Pueblos and partners who understand what is at stake.”

Read the full APCG press release [here] for more details, including additional statements from Pueblo leadership.