Secretary of Interior Zinke resigns amid investigations
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BEGAYE URGES QUICK REPLACEMENT 220 S. FIFTH • GALLUP, NEW MEXICO 87301
(505) 722-2271
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W I NDOW ROCK , A r i z. — As Secretary of the Inter ior Rya n Zinke resigned from his position Dec. 15 amid multiple ethics investigations, President Russell Begaye called upon the Trump Administration for a timely replacement. “Indian Country needs a secretary of the Interior who is knowledgeable of issues that face Native American tribes and who has substantial knowledge of federal Indian policy,” Begaye said. “With so many threats to Native American sovereignty and federal cuts to programs our people depend on, we need a secretary who will truly advocate for our people.”
Zinke is the fourth member of the Trump Administration to relinquish his post while under the scrutiny of alleged ethics violations. Last year, the Department of the Interior came under fire from Native American tribes when the Bureau of Indian Affairs was subject to reorganization per an executive order signed by President Trump. Tribes felt the decision was rushed as there had been little to no tribal consultation on the matter. Zi nke spoke at t he 75 t h annual convention of the Nationa l Congress of the American Indians and told tribal leaders that the decision to reorganize the BIA rests in the hands of Native Americans. “One of the principal complaints I hear from Indian Country is that tribes are not consulted but instead told about permitting, conser vation a nd recreation.
What happens off of Indian Country affects what happens on Indian Country and tribes need to be at the table from the start when it comes to the BIA reorganization,” Zinke said. “I will not reorganize the BIA unless we do it together and you agree.” Begaye sits on the Interior Department’s Royalty Policy Committee, established by Secretary Zinke. He has consistently advocated on behalf of federal energy regulations that promote tribal self-determination and increase tribal presence in the energy market. “ T r ibe s fa ce so m a ny obstacles in trying to gain full authority over their minerals and natural resources. Consistency in federal leadership and consultation with tribes is key to making progress. With a new secretary of the Interior comes re-education on the issues we face,” Begaye said. “We shouldn’t have to star t from square
At the 75th annual convention of the NCAI, Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke told tribal leaders the BIA reorganization rests in their hands. Photo Credit: Courtesy one. We need a secretary that will roll up their sleeves and
work on behalf of all Native Americans.”
Victims interviewed Grenade at after slashing attacks Goodwill THREE CASES LIKELY RELATED
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W
hat at first seemed to be three separate at tacks at three different locations on Gallup’s nor th side – Alon gas station, Wendy’s and Car Quest — now appear to be connected. Gallup Police Department Capta i n Ma r i nda Spencer said there were reports of a man seen carrying a machete. T he v icti m from t he Wendy’s nor t h at t ack d id not reca ll what happened due to his intoxicated state, Spencer stated in a Dec. 19 release. Detectives are still looking into his attack for further information. “It appea rs the v ictims located at Car Quest Auto, A lon Ga s Station a nd the
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TOOLBOX DONATION CONTAINED SUSPICIOUS ITEM Staff Reports
G Cour t House Squa re were all from the same incident,” Spencer wrote. “One victim states they were all together in the arroyo near Car Quest Auto.” Spencer said a fight broke out and one person used a ma chete on t wo v ict i m s; another pulled out a knife in self-defense.
Friday December 21, 2018 • Gallup Sun
All victims were treated, a nd one wa s taken to the Gallup Indian Medical Center fo r no n - l i fe t h r e a t e n i n g injuries. T his is an ongoing investigation. Plea se call Metro Di spatch at (505) 722 2002 or 911 if you spot any suspicious activity.
allup Police Depa r t ment of f icers were called to the Goodwill store at 1820 E. Hwy 66 at about 10 am Dec. 19 in reference to a container with what appeared to be grenade inside found near the business, GPD Capt. Marinda Spencer said. Officers immediately evacuated the business and surrounding stores. No one was injured in this incident. The initial investigation revealed that among items donated to Goodwill was a toolbox, Spencer stated in a Dec. 19 release. “The employee who works at the receiving point took the
items and began to inventory the donated items,” she wrote. “When he opened the toolbox he saw what appeared to be a grenade.” Police officers accessed the device and it appeared to be a live grenade. Next, the New Mexico State Police Bomb Unit was called and responded. According to Spencer, the State Police examined the device and secured it. They determined the grenade was safe, and the lockdown was lifted. As of the evening of Dec. 19, the scene had been rendered safe and accessible. Gallup Police will continue to investigate the incident. “It appears this was accidental, but is still under investigation,” Spencer stated. NEWS