[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 43 (Friday, March 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING LELA KASKALLA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 13, 2015

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor Lela Kaskalla, a passionate woman who has remained steadfast 
in her commitment to support economic growth and cultural development 
in her community.
  This past Sunday marked a special moment for women across the globe; 
it was International Women's Day, a time when we come together to 
remember the progress that women have made and recognize the many 
firsts that have opened doors for younger generations of female 
leaders. It made me think of Lela Kaskalla, who in 1996 became the 
first woman elected governor of Nambe Pueblo.
  During her term as governor, Lela worked tirelessly to defeat anti-
tribal legislation that proposed a tax on tribal gasoline distribution 
and went on to become the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 
recording secretary. Lela's presence made an immediate impact, and she 
was instrumental in NCAI's 54th annual meeting in Albuquerque.
  Lela is a natural leader who understands the importance of a strong, 
united community. In an interview with the Albuquerque Journal she 
explained: ``You don't do much standing alone, but together you can do 
more.'' Lela's passion, commitment and ability to build a coalition 
around a common cause caught Governor Gary Johnson's attention.
  In 1998, Governor Johnson appointed Lela to the New Mexico State Fair 
Commission, where she later became Vice Chair of the State Board. 
Whether it is through Lela's active engagement with the Nambe Women's 
Group and the Northern New Mexico Community College Pueblos Institutes, 
her time as a member of the board of directors for the Indian Pueblo 
Cultural Center/Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc., or in her current role 
with the Branch of Administration for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at 
the Northern Pueblos Agency, Lela's commitment to tribal communities in 
New Mexico has never wavered.
  Lela's groundbreaking achievement set an example for other women in 
New Mexico. It reminds me of the progress women before us have made in 
our nation's history, and in particular, the large, white, rough-hewn 
statue of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott 
that sits in the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. It is a striking 
figure featuring the faces of the three revolutionary women, carefully 
etched and chiseled into the unfinished block of marble. The unfinished 
composition represents the unfinished work left with respect to equal 
rights for women. With the help of leaders like Lela right here in New 
Mexico we can, and we will, finish that work. Lela's commitment to her 
community will continue to be an inspiration for future generations of 
young women.

                          ____________________