Welcome to
New Mexico
Social Justice & Equity Institute
We work to change systems that perpetuate environmental and health disparities related to the impacts of institutional racism and multi-generational trauma.
We acknowledge that we operate on Dine’, Zuni, and Acoma lands.
"Our tradition has always been to protect our children, land and culture. It is our duty and responsibility."
Peterson Zah
First Navajo Nation President
Low Mountain, Navajo Nation
What We Do
We work primarily with both American Indian communities and rural areas to develop and mentor individuals toward equitable policy change.
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Train and develop authentic community-based community leaders;
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Create and sustain partnerships in New Mexico;
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Support a vibrant, equitable community that respects and honors all individuals
Environmental
We are conducting a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to analyze how uranium mining in McKinley County affected the physical, emotional, economic and spiritual health of communities.
Indigenous Issues
Indigenous women are murdered at a higher rate than all other ethnicities. We address MMIW, religious conversion, boarding schools, domestic violence, and other factors which contribute to generational trauma.
Social Justice
Many minority groups within the Greater McKinley county area and beyond suffer due to the lack of access to healthcare, employment, educational opportunities, and unlawful policies.
Food Security
There are only 13 grocery stores throughout the Navajo Nation which expands over 27,000 square miles. Lack of access to drinkable water, electricity and cellular service is a tremendous health barrier to Indigenous communities.
New Mexico Social Justice
Creating Social Change: A Guide for Everyday Citizens
We have created a guide for everyday people and Indigenous youth to learn more about social change. Participants will learn how to answer the call for social justice and set goals using specific strategies and research.