Josett Monette Takes Over as Cabinet Secretary
Josett Monette, previously serving as the deputy director and general counsel at the Indian Affairs Department, has been appointed as the new cabinet secretary. Monette, who is affiliated with the Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa, will now take the reins of the state agency.
Controversy Surrounding the Appointment
The announcement of Monette’s appointment in February sparked anger among Native American advocates who had been working to address violence and missing persons cases within their communities. They raised concerns about the previous sexual assault charges against the former cabinet secretary, asserting that he was not the right person to lead the agency.
Past Charges Dismissed
In response to the concerns, Governor Lujan Grisham’s office pointed out that the charges against the former cabinet secretary were dismissed in 2010 due to lack of evidence for a trial. The governor’s office urged those raising concerns to respect the judicial process and acknowledge the results.
Mixed Reactions and Lack of Transparency
While the governor highlighted the former cabinet secretary’s experience as a leader at San Ildefonso Pueblo and his expertise in state and tribal relations, questions were raised about the lack of transparency in the nomination process. The governor’s office did not forward the nomination to the committee for consideration and remained silent on whether input from Native American communities was sought when choosing the successor for the previous secretary, Lynn Trujillo.
Protests for Accountability
In March, protesters gathered at the state capitol to demand greater accountability in the system for vetting state-appointed positions that serve Indigenous communities. The controversy surrounding the appointment highlighted the need for transparency and community involvement in such decisions.
Family Support and Career Achievements
Throughout the controversy, the former cabinet secretary never directly addressed the concerns about his nomination. However, his daughter, Leah Mountain, defended her father in a letter to state lawmakers, describing him as a devoted father who instilled cultural identity, confidence, and aspiration in her. She emphasized that the allegations against him are false.
Josett Monette steps into the role of cabinet secretary for the Indian Affairs Department, following a tenure marked by controversy. With previous experience and an affiliation with the Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa, Monette will now face the challenge of leading the state agency and addressing the issues affecting Native American communities. The appointment serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and community involvement in the selection process for such positions.
