Reckoning with the Past: Native Boarding Schools, Redistricting Begins & UNM Medical Residents Stay in State | 8.2.21

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

This time on New Mexico in Focus, extended coverage of the federal government’s effort to document the truth about Native boarding schools. Interior secretary and former New Mexico congresswoman Deb Haaland announced the investigation this summer, on the heels of gruesome discoveries of mass graves at Canadian boarding school sites. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales speaks with two Native leaders about the need for the painful look back as well as the path forward toward healing.

Thirteen of the University of New Mexico Medical School’s 15 recent family and community medicine residents will stay in the state, boosting long-slumping numbers of rural primary care doctors as they fan out to work in communities from Shiprock to Lovington. Producer Matt Grubs speaks with a graduate of the program and two doctors who are trying to ensure continued success.

Plus, we offer a primer on the state's redistricting efforts which are already underway. This year's process will look much different than 10 years ago, as lawmakers last year approved the creation of a new Redistricting Committee to make the process less partisan and reduce the risks of gerrymandering. Public hearings are going on currently, and participants can even suggest their own maps and models to the committee. Find out more information and watch livestreams of the public hearings here.

Guests:

Joe Garcia, Head Councilman, Ohkay Owingeh

Angel Charley, Executive Director, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women

Deb Haaland, U.S. Interior Dept. Secretary

Dr. Arthur Kaufman, UNM Vice Chancellor for Community Health

Dr. Molly McClain, UNM Family & Community Medicine Residency Director

Dr. Darshan Patel, UNM Family & Community Residency Graduate, Nor-Lea Hospital

Hon. Edward L. Chavez, Redistricting Committee Chair

Lilly Irvin-Vitela, Community Liaison

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