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Recent Developments in Native American Leadership: James Mountain Resigns Amid Controversy

Controversial Native American Leader Resigns Amid DWI Arrest

Santa Fe, NM — In a significant turn of events, James Mountain has resigned as chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors, a key advocacy group representing 19 Native American communities in New Mexico and one in Texas. This decision comes just days after his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) at a tribal casino.

Mountain submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, effective immediately. Alongside this, he also terminated his consulting contract with the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, as confirmed by Jodi McGinnis Porter, spokesperson for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The arrest occurred last week when Pojoaque Pueblo police detained Mountain after he allegedly declined a field sobriety test. He spent the weekend in a Santa Fe County jail before being released. As of now, it remains unclear whether formal charges have been filed against him, although an arraignment is scheduled for next week.

Mountain’s tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly following his appointment as cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs in 2023. His past, including previous sexual assault charges that were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, raised concerns among Native American advocates focused on issues of violence and missing persons within their communities. Despite these concerns, Lujan Grisham’s office defended Mountain, urging respect for the judicial process.

The governor had previously highlighted Mountain’s leadership experience at San Ildefonso Pueblo and his expertise in state-tribal relations. However, his confirmation process stalled in the state Senate, leading to his departure from the cabinet position after less than a year. He subsequently took on a role as a senior policy adviser for tribal affairs until his recent resignation.

Mountain has a history of public service, having served as governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2015 to 2017. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the Aamodt Water Settlement, which addressed the pueblo’s water rights, and the Indian Land Claims Settlement in 2006.

As the All Pueblo Council of Governors navigates this leadership change, the implications of Mountain’s resignation on Native American advocacy and governance in New Mexico remain to be seen. The council’s website still listed him as chairman as of Friday, raising questions about the transition of leadership amidst ongoing scrutiny.

This incident underscores the complexities and challenges facing Native American leadership, particularly in a time when community advocates are increasingly vocal about accountability and transparency.