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UNM FiRES Center Works to Strengthen Wildfire Resilience in New Mexico

Grace Tackman
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UNM FiRES Center Works to Strengthen Wildfire Resilience in New Mexico

The Center for Fire Resilient Ecosystems and Society (FiRES) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) has committed to continuing to help communities across the state become more resilient to wildfires. 

FiRES, an interdisciplinary center, conducts research and community outreach to help communities address the negative impacts of fires. A team of UNM faculty experts is working with state officials and policymakers for the initiative. 

According to UNM News, the FiRES Center will continue to expand partnerships, engage communities, and lead projects to mitigate wildfire damage.

The team is partnering with Sandia National Laboratory scientists to improve the efficiency of wildfire smoke modeling. Current models run slowly, so collaborative researchers are working to improve efficiency to enable faster smoke predictions. This partnership was made possible through the center’s connections and ongoing conversations. 

Some additional projects the team is currently pursuing include landscape-scale risk modeling, fuel moisture monitoring, and improving post-fire reforestation methods. 

“The effect of these fires on our communities, ecosystems, and watersheds will depend on the choices we make in land management today. So, the center’s team is working toward solutions for living in a fire-prone landscape,” said the center’s Director Matthew Hurteau.

Reports show that New Mexico has been getting hotter and drier with each passing year. This winter, record-breaking warm temperatures across the state could significantly affect this spring’s wildfire season. 

How the UNM FiRES Center Started Its Work

Hurteau, a biology professor in the Biology Department at UNM, officially established the center in 2024. Although he started the connecting and research work much earlier. The center envisions a future where communities and ecosystems in New Mexico and the western U.S. are resilient to wildfire. 

“Our state is highly flammable,” said Hurteau. “There are people working to alleviate this, and I wanted to bring them all together to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our discussions and solutions.”

The FiRES team includes multiple UNM departments, including biology, economics, communication and journalism, pharmaceutical sciences, and computer sciences. Team members also represent internal medicine, geography, environmental studies, and the Earth Data Analysis Center. They also collaborate with Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, as well as the U.S. Fire Service.

“I wanted the FiRES Center to be a hub that connects all the folks working on fire research, not just at UNM, but beyond the UNM boundaries as well,” said Hurteau. 

The Center conducts fundamental and applied research to develop next-generation tools for fire and vegetation management. It assesses the economic impact of fires, the benefits of fire-resilience management, and the effects of air quality on public health. 

UNM FiRES Center’s Commitment to Sustainable Solutions for Communities

Apart from being ecological problems, fires affect the economy, public health, water supplies, and communities. The faculty are passionate about working in the community to help identify sustainable solutions. 

“We take the role of a public university very seriously and want to be of service and work with the community as much as we can,” Hurteau said. 

For one, Chris Marsh led NM’s Legislative Finance Committee on a burn-area tour discussing post-fire reforestation and watershed recovery. Marsh is a research assistant professor in the biology department. The tour highlighted where state investments would be needed after wildfires. 

In addition to tours, the faculty participates in legislative panels. They help share and analyze the impact of wildfires on watersheds, ecosystems, and community resilience. 

How a Passion Sparked a Meaningful Impact

Hurteau’s passion for this work stems from firsthand experience after moving to Flagstaff, Ariz., from Vermont. He recalled that in his first winter there, 1996, the climate shifted toward hotter, drier conditions. This change resulted in a severe fire season. The town watched as air tankers constantly circled, evacuations occurred, and several homes were lost. 

This experience sparked his interest in developing a way to assist communities affected by wildfires. He started by studying forestry. He then pursued wildland fire training and certifications, during which he learned that land management is a tool. 

With firsthand wildfire experience, he wanted to unite people from all aspects of wildfire work to promote communication and knowledge sharing. Hurteau ultimately formed a think tank of New Mexican experts to address pressing issues facing the state and communities. 

According to UNM News, the team’s work remains important today and directly impacts the state’s future. 

Director of New Mexico Wildfire Claims Office Placed on Leave Amid $500,000 Compensation Controversy

Victoria Padilla
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Director of New Mexico Wildfire Claims Office Placed on Leave Amid $500,000 Compensation Controversy

The director in charge of handling compensation claims for New Mexico’s Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire was put on administrative leave after reports showed he and his wife received more than $500,000 for smoke damage and other losses at their Angel Fire property.

Jay Mitchell and Deputy Director Jennifer Carbajal were placed on leave, according to an internal email reported by Source New Mexico and the Albuquerque Journal on February 12, 2026. The Durango Herald reported that a senior FEMA official is now leading the office and that claims processing will continue as usual.

There are concerns about both the size and location of the payments, including $266,000 given to Mitchell for smoke and ash cleanup at his Angel Fire home. Documents from Source New Mexico and New Mexico PBS show that Mitchell and his wife received over $500,000 from a $5.45 billion FEMA fund set up for victims of the 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire (Lohmann, 2026). Reports also noted that their property was “far from the wildfire perimeter,” leading to criticism, as some victims have not yet been paid.

Political pressure grew after the news came out. Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called for Mitchell to resign, and protesters gathered outside the Las Vegas claims office. In a joint statement, Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, called Mitchell’s leave a “step in the right direction,” but said there are still “outstanding questions” about how the office is managed and held accountable.

FEMA emphasized that staff should avoid speculation and clarified that Mitchell’s administrative leave does not mean he has been found guilty of any wrongdoing. A spokesperson explained that, so far, there is no evidence of improper actions related to the payments. FEMA underscored its commitment to fairness and transparency, stressing that all claims are reviewed carefully and taken seriously.

Key Facts:

  • Who was placed on leave: Director Jay Mitchell and Deputy Director Jennifer Carbajal.
  • Why it matters: Jay Mitchell and his wife were paid over $500,000 for smoke damage and business losses. This has raised questions about fairness, especially since some fire victims are still waiting for compensation.
  • About the program: The FEMA wildfire compensation fund was set up with $5.45 billion. Of that, about $3.4 billion has already been paid to wildfire victims, according to the latest numbers.
  • What happens now: FEMA says claims processing will keep going without any delays.

Next Steps

Lawmakers are asking more questions about how the compensation program is run and whether it’s as transparent as it should be. They want to know how many claims still haven’t been paid, how much money remains, and whether FEMA or Congress will make any changes to how things are done. Representative Leger Fernández said Congress needs regular updates about claims, remaining funds, and timelines, and stressed that the office must keep up with its legal reporting duties.

NMSU Alumni Pond Renovation Begins, Completion Expected in May

Grace Tackman
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NMSU Alumni Pond Renovation Begins, Completion Expected in May

New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Alumni Pond renovation project is underway and scheduled for completion by late May. 

The development marks the next phase in restoring one of NMSU’s recognizable campus spaces, with construction set to begin in early January.

NMSU reported that the renovation is being completed in partnership with local contractor Crosstown Construction. Local designers Molzen-Corbin & Associates are leading the project design.

Safety a Priority During NMSU Alumni Pond Construction 

While construction continues, crews will maintain the area surrounding Alumni Pond as an active construction zone. Temporary fencing and restricted access remain in place. 


“Safety is our top priority as we move through this phase of construction,” said Jose Loera, executive director of Facilities and Services. 

Loera said campus community members can expect heavy equipment on site and hauling trucks operating in the area. “…but routes have been planned to minimize traffic impacts as much as possible.”

Campus officials are rerouting pedestrian traffic around the perimeter of the fenced construction zone to ensure safe access to nearby areas. They encourage pedestrians to follow posted routes while construction is ongoing; signage has been installed to guide foot traffic.

“This project represents an important investment in preserving a space that holds meaning for generations of Aggies,” Loera said. “We appreciate the campus community’s patience as we work to complete the renovation safely and efficiently.”

NMSU Raises Funds for Alumni Pond Renovation

The Alumni Pond renovation helps NMSU reinvest in key campus amenities. It also aims to enhance the overall experience for students, employees, alumni, and visitors. 

The university will share updates on the project’s progress as construction continues through the spring semester.

NMSU, along with the NMSU Foundation, continues raising funds for the Alumni Pond restoration project. They aim to support additional enhancements beyond current construction.

Contributions will help fund features such as a new pedestrian bridge, lighting, landscaping, and other elements designed to further enhance the space.


Those interested in contributing to the Alumni Pond Restoration Fund can visit alwaysanaggie.org/donate/alumni-pond.  

How To Make an Investing Plan for 2026, With Tips Just for New Mexico Residents

Victoria Padilla
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How To Make an Investing Plan for 2026, With Tips Just for New Mexico Residents

Investing doesn’t have to be complicated—success often comes down to building a few healthy habits. Start by keeping an eye on your money, saving steadily, and making contributions that align with your goals and risk tolerance. Financial journalist Mallika Mitra recently outlined six straightforward steps for the new year: check your spending, build your emergency fund, boost your contributions, set up automatic deposits, plan ahead for taxes, and rebalance your investments to keep them diversified.

This plan works for New Mexico households, too, but there are a few extra considerations. If your income isn’t steady—maybe you work in tourism, energy, or with the government—it’s smart to keep a bigger emergency fund for peace of mind. When it comes to saving for education, Kiplinger highlights that 529 plans offer valuable tax benefits. Plus, New Mexico taxpayers can get extra state tax breaks that make saving even more rewarding.

Key Considerations at a Glance

  • Begin by taking a look at how your money flowed in and out last year. Review your income, the bills you pay each month, any extra spending, and what you managed to save.
  • Work on building your savings. Aim to set aside enough to cover three to six months’ worth of expenses—or, if your income varies, six to twelve months can give you extra security.
  • Consider adding a bit more to your retirement accounts if you can. The IRS says the 401(k) contribution limit will increase to $24,500 in 2026, but the IRA limit will remain at $7,500. One helpful tip: you usually have until April 15 to make IRA and HSA contributions for the previous year, which can help manage your taxable income. (Service, 2024)
  • Rebalancing helps you stay on track with your investment plan. As one expert explains, disciplined rebalancing “takes the emotion out of” decisions—and it naturally encourages you to trim what’s grown and add to what’s lagged.

Step 1: Begin with Existing Financial Data

Before you set new goals, check your 2025 numbers. Look at your total income, expenses, and how much you saved or invested. See if there are habits you can change, like cutting back on subscriptions, eating out less, or avoiding surprise costs. Try to increase your contributions if you can.

Step 2: Build a Strong Financial Base Before Taking Bigger Investment Risks

The article recommends a simple order: build emergency savings first, pay off high-interest debt next, and then invest more. Credit card interest is usually higher than what you earn from safe investments, so paying off that debt often makes more sense than chasing bigger returns in a regular investment account.

Step 3: Review Your Financial Goals and Adjust Your Accounts

Long-term goals like retirement, buying a home, or saving for college usually stay the same, but your short-term goals might change each year. In New Mexico, you may need to decide whether to put money into retirement accounts or education savings. The New Mexico Higher Education Department says state taxpayers can deduct contributions to the state’s 529 plan from their New Mexico income tax. (Education Trust Board of New Mexico Presentation, 2023)

Step 4: Raise Your Contributions Carefully Without Waiting Too Long

If you can raise your workplace retirement contributions by just 1 or 2 percent, it can add up over time. The IRS has also increased the 2026 limits for 401(k) and IRA accounts. (IRS Announces 2026 Contribution Limits for 401(k) and IRA Plans, 2025) The article suggests increasing your contributions, and if it feels like too much, you can always lower them later. As financial planner Craig Ferrantino says, “If you overdo it, you can always bring it back down.”

Step 5: Set Up Automatic Contributions to Keep Making Progress

Automation is a useful habit. If you move money early in the month, you’re less likely to spend it on other things. The article says this makes saving easier, especially when life gets busy, and spending is tempting.

Step 6: Plan for Taxes All Year Long

Even if you won’t file your taxes until next year, you can start getting organized now. Keep a folder for W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and brokerage tax forms. The article also notes that you usually have until April 15 to make extra IRA or HSA contributions for the previous year, which can affect your taxable income.

For New Mexico residents, state tax breaks may affect which accounts you put money into first, such as the state 529 deduction. When investing in municipal bond funds for taxable income, state tax rules can vary depending on where the bonds are from and where you live. In New Mexico, it’s important to track how much of a fund’s income comes from New Mexico bonds versus those from other states. Income from state and local bonds is taxed in New Mexico, but you may be able to deduct some related investment costs.

NM Prosecutors Allege Meta Misled the Public About Harms to Minors on Facebook and Instagram

Juan Oliveros
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NM Prosecutors Allege Meta Misled the Public About Harms to Minors on Facebook and Instagram

SANTA FE, New Mexico — The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office alleged that Meta Platforms lied about the harms its platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, pose to teens and children in a landmark lawsuit against the social media giant.

Evidence showed that Meta raked in profits while concealing the harms its platforms pose to children, said Attorney Don Migliori, representing New Mexico, in a Santa Fe courtroom.

Migliori accused Meta of “downplaying or outright lying about what it knows about the dangers of its platforms.”

He said the state will call former employees of the social media giant who raised internal warnings. The state will also present child welfare experts as witnesses, Migliori added.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed the lawsuit against Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, in 2023.

The complaint alleges that Meta knew that Facebook and Instagram could be unsafe for minors. Publicly, however, it minimized or misrepresented these risks.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom on Monday, Torrez said that a win in this case could also result in the court telling Meta to change how its platforms operate. The company could also face financial penalties amounting to billions of dollars.

Torrez said a New Mexico win against Meta will “completely change the narrative about what they claim is possible everywhere else.”

Meta, in its defense, has rejected the allegations.

Kevin Huff, one of the lawyers representing Meta, told the court during the opening statements that the company has been transparent about the limits of its safety measures.

He said his client regularly publishes reports on the prevalence of child sexual abuse material and other harmful content. And it consistently worked to remove harmful material from its platforms.

Meta informed the public of these risks, Huff claimed. “It didn’t deceive anyone.”

The trial is expected to last about seven weeks.

New Mexico is the first U.S. state to hold the company accountable for the alleged harms it caused to children.

Wildfire Near I-40 in New Mexico Threatens Structures, Burns 1,000 Acres

Juan Oliveros
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Wildfire Near I-40 in New Mexico Threatens Structures, Burns 1,000 Acres

QUAY COUNTY, New Mexico – A wildfire burning near Interstate 40 in Quay County threatening nearby structures has already burned some 1,000 acres. Firefighters have yet to contain the fire as of Monday.

The blaze, known as 352 Fire, was discovered Monday at around 12:30 pm near mile marker 352, north of San Jon, according to the federal inter-agency website, New Mexico Fire Information. The fire has spread through grass and brush. It sent thick smoke visible from I-40 and prompted road closures and advisories to evacuate.

Authorities have closed State Road 469 north of San Jon as local officials went house to house notifying residents in areas near the fire. They advised residents to evacuate if instructed and stay clear from the area to allow emergency crews to conduct the containment efforts safely.

Firefighters of the New Mexico Forestry Division led the fire suppession operation, with support from local and state responders.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

Quay County has recorded dozens of wildfires from 1997 to 2003, burning thousands of acres. The recent grass fires continued to affect the county.

People are advised to take extra precautions especially those who are sensitive to wildfire smoke. To assess whether it is safe to stay outdoors, residents can use the New Mexico Department of Health’s 5-3-1 Visibility Method.

EP Wealth Advisors Expands to New Mexico to Enhance Client Services: Broader Planning and Local Expertise Await

Victoria Padilla
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EP Wealth Advisors Expands to New Mexico to Enhance Client Services: Broader Planning and Local Expertise Await

EP Wealth Advisors has acquired LongView Asset Management, a registered investment adviser in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with over $390 million in assets under management. This acquisition significantly expands EP Wealth Advisors’ presence in New Mexico. Financial and legal terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 2002, LongView is known for its commitment to sustainability and responsible investing. As the first financial services firm in New Mexico to earn B Corporation certification, LongView is recognized for its values-driven approach. (LongView Asset Management – B Corp Certification, 2019) With this acquisition, EP Wealth Advisors will leverage local expertise and offer LongView clients expanded planning services, including tax, estate, and legacy planning support.

David Cantor, founder of LongView, will join EP Wealth Advisors as senior vice president, along with seven team members. Advice Dynamics Partners served as LongView’s advisor during the transaction.

As of December 31, 2025, EP Wealth Advisors manages more than $42.2 billion in client assets and operates over 64 offices in 23 states. The firm also receives minority equity investments from Berkshire Partners and Ares Management.

Key Transaction Details

  • Acquirer: EP Wealth Advisors
  • Acquired Firm: LongView Asset Management (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
  • Assets Acquired: Over $390 million in assets under management
  • Transaction Close Date: January 30, 2026
  • Team Transition: Founder David Cantor and seven additional team members will join EP Wealth Advisors.
  • Transaction Terms: Not disclosed

Statements from Leadership

“This partnership strengthens EP Wealth and expands our capabilities in New Mexico,” said CEO Ryan Parker. He added, “LongView clients will benefit from our expanded services.”

Everfi and Its Partners Are Giving Students a New Way To Pay for College: Over $1.5 Million in Scholarships for Those Who Finish Financial Education Courses

Victoria Padilla
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Everfi and Its Partners Are Giving Students a New Way To Pay for College: Over $1.5 Million in Scholarships for Those Who Finish Financial Education Courses

Everfi just rolled out a new scholarship program worth more than $1.5 million, supported by nine companies and nonprofits. The idea is simple: students who take financial and life skills courses on Everfi’s platform can earn scholarships to help them continue their education after high school.

Companies and organizations backing the scholarships include CalKIDS, Center for Audit Quality, City National Bank, Edward Jones, MassMutual Foundation, OneMain Financial, PenFed Credit Union, Principal Foundation, and Truth Initiative. Everfi says this program lets its partners reach more students by leveraging their school connections and their online platform.

Key Details

  • Total Commitment: Over $1.5 million in scholarships
  • Named Partners: CalKIDS, Center for Audit Quality, City National Bank, Edward Jones, MassMutual Foundation, OneMain Financial, PenFed Credit Union, Principal Foundation, and Truth Initiative
  • Delivery Model: Scholarships are linked to completion of financial and life-skills education provided through Everfi’s platform and school network.
  • Policy Context: This announcement comes as the federal government is starting the new “Invest America” child investment account. Beginning July 4, 2026, babies born between 2025 and 2028 will get a $1,000 federal deposit to help kickstart their savings for the future.

Everfi says the new scholarships are a response to how expensive college has become and the fact that fewer teens are enrolling. In 2024, only about 63% of recent high school grads enrolled in college, and many say money is a major reason.

Ray Martinez, CEO of Everfi, said the goal is to turn what students learn in class into real help for their futures. “More than ever, students and families need pathways that translate education into opportunity,” he said.

Paola Garcia-Abbo, a vice president at OneMain Financial, called these scholarships a way to break down barriers for students who are trying to learn—and build a better future for themselves.

Everfi said it works with thousands of school districts across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, and that its partners use the platform to run scholarship and awareness efforts while aligning implementation with state and federal guidance.

New Mexico Homebuyers Face a “Lock-In” Market as Sellers Sit Tight on Low-Rate Mortgages

Victoria Padilla
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New Mexico Homebuyers Face a “Lock-In” Market as Sellers Sit Tight on Low-Rate Mortgages

New Mexico’s housing market is experiencing a trend seen across the country. Many homeowners do not want to sell because they have low-rate mortgages of 2% to 3%. Selling would mean buying a new home at much higher rates. This “mortgage lock-in” keeps the number of homes for sale low, which limits choices for buyers and helps keep prices high, even though homes are less affordable.

Economists say mortgage lock-in happens when homeowners are discouraged from moving because they would have to take on a new mortgage at a higher rate. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia shows that this can lead people to move less often and to fewer homes for sale, tightening supply and pushing prices up.

Key Facts for New Mexico Homebuyers:

  • The number of homes for resale remains low when owners keep their low-rate mortgages rather than putting their homes on the market.
  • New Mexico is still one of the least affordable states for homebuyers. In 2024, the median listing price was $392,571, and only a small number of homes were affordable for people earning the median income. In 2025, the median home price in Albuquerque is $360,000, and in Santa Fe, it is $675,000. Homes also tend to stay on the market longer across the state.
  • Homeowners who locked in 2% to 3% mortgage rates during 2020 and 2021 are understandably reluctant to move and give that up, Rocket Mortgage executive Bill Banfield said.

What “lock-in” means for New Mexico buyers

In practice, lock-in makes it harder for buyers, especially first-time buyers, because fewer homeowners are selling and moving up. With fewer homes for sale, buyers have to compete for fewer listings. This can keep prices higher than expected, even as borrowing costs rise.

Pew’s reporting shows that New Mexico’s housing shortage has deeper roots than today’s high rates alone. Rules and processes have limited homebuilding for years, resulting in fewer homes available for sale. This makes the lock-in effect even more important. When fewer people move, there is even less flexibility in the market.

Why the market doesn’t “unlock” quickly

To see real improvement, the market usually needs one or more of the following changes:

  • Lower mortgage rates, which would reduce the difference between what current owners pay and what new buyers would pay;
  • More new homes are being built, especially those that are affordable for first-time buyers, or
  • Life events, such as job changes, growing families, or retirement, can prompt people to move even when the financial situation is not ideal.

The Philadelphia Fed says lock-in is mainly about incentives. When it costs a lot to get a new mortgage, many people wait to move, which means fewer home sales and listings.

The bottom line

In New Mexico, where there have often been too few homes for sale, mortgage lock-in can make the shortage even worse. This keeps the market tough for buyers, especially those who do not already own a home, until rates drop, more homes are built, or both.

NTU Students Meet Governor Grisham at Annual American Indian Day in New Mexico State Capitol

Grace Tackman
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NTU Students Meet Governor Grisham at Annual American Indian Day in New Mexico State Capitol

Navajo Technical University (NTU) students met New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham at the 39th Annual American Indian Day on February 6. 

NTU students, staff, and administrators visited the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe to participate in the legislative observance.

In a news release, the university reported that Grisham spoke with students and offered words of encouragement. Their interaction emphasized continued support for Native education and student leadership.

Throughout the morning, NTU students Kendrick Sorrell, Student Senate Master of Arms; Tamalaya Begaye, Student Senate Secretary; Kory Begay and Amber James, Peer Navigators; along with NTU staff Michael McMillin, Student Recruiter, and Dee Anna Lee James, First Year Experience Career & Academic Advisor, engaged with state and tribal leaders to share information about NTU’s academic programs, enrollment opportunities, and student support services. They were joined by NTU administrators Dr. Jason Arviso, Vice President of Operations; Abe Bitok, Director of Support Services; and Darly Begay, Government Affairs Officer. 

Together, the delegation served as strong advocates for the university. They amplified student voices and highlighted the importance of access to higher education for Native communities.

NTU Students Gain Valuable Leadership Experience at American Indian Day

Dr. Jason Arviso, Vice President of Operations, praised the students’ leadership and presence at the Capitol and reflected on their experience.

“Our students carried themselves with confidence, purpose, and pride,” said Dr. Arviso.

“Their willingness to speak up, represent their university, and engage with leaders shows the strength of Native student leadership and the bright future they are building—not only for themselves, but for their communities.”

NTU representatives also met with leaders from the Navajo Nation and officials from New Mexico state agencies, including Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren; Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council Crystalyne Curley; Navajo Nation Delegates Dr. Andy Nez and Amber Crotty; Lynda Lovejoy; JoAnn Jayne, Navajo Nation Deputy Attorney General; Stephanie Rodriguez, Secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department; and Marisa Valdez, Infrastructure Program Manager with the Department of Finance and Administration. These discussions helped build stronger relationships that support NTU’s mission and foster future collaboration.

These discussions helped build stronger relationships that support NTU’s mission and foster future collaboration.

NTU’s participation in American Indian Day at the Legislature reflects the university’s continued commitment to student advocacy and civic engagement. It also demonstrated efforts to expand higher education opportunities for Native students across New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

The annual event honored Native American citizens and leaders while recognizing their enduring contributions to the State of New Mexico. The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department hosted the event. 

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