INDIGENOUS LEADERS HONOR BILL RICHARDSON

September 14, 2023 | Eagle Thunder Enterprises

This week, a funeral mass was held at Saint Francis Cathedral, Santa Fe, New Mexico, to remember the life of former Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM). Indigenous leaders were among those who honored him. As governor and Member of Congress, Bill Richardson supported Native Nations by improving social services, infrastructure, health care, and education. He also assisted in developing businesses and safeguarding religious freedom. Under his leadership, the state's Indian Affairs was elevated to a cabinet-level department.

Throughout his career, Bill Richardson was a strong advocate for Indigenous Peoples, people of color, human rights, and the arts. He introduced generous incentives to attract film productions to New Mexico and was one of the most influential negotiators for Americans held hostage abroad.

In recognition of his leadership, Richardson honored Ohkay Owingeh Governor Joe Garcia by proclaiming "Governor Joe Garcia Day" during a ceremony at the New Mexico State Capitol on February 7, 2006. Then, on January 1, 2007, Garcia administered the oath of office to Richardson during his second inauguration as State Governor. This event was especially significant because it marked the first time in New Mexico's history that a Pueblo Governor had administered the oath of office to a State Governor. Later, in 2009, Richardson proclaimed May 17 as "Dennis Hopper Day" in New Mexico at the request of Robby Romero and Michael McCormick. This was just before Hopper walked on; it was a way to honor the artist and actor for his contributions to the arts and New Mexico on his birthday.

Richardson served as the 9th United States Secretary of Energy (August 18, 1998 to January 20, 2001). Before that, he was the 21st United States Ambassador to the United Nations (February 18, 1997 to August 18, 1998). He also served as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New Mexico's 3rd district (January 3, 1983 to February 13, 1997).

Representing the most diverse district in the country, Richardson spent 14 years serving in Congress, during which he held 2,000 town meetings. In the 98th Congress (1984-1985), he served as the Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, while in the 103rd Congress (1993-1994), he served as the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Native American Affairs. Richardson also sponsored a number of bills, including the Indian Dams Safety Act, the Tribal Self-Governance Act, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments of 1994, and the Jicarilla Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act.

The casket of former Governor Bill Richardson lay in state in the rotunda of the Capitol, surrounded by police guards and covered with the New Mexico state flag featuring the ancient Zia Pueblo symbol of the sun. On Behalf of Eagle Thunder Enterprises, we express our heartfelt condolences to Richardson's loved ones, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time.