[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17654]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                        IN HONOR OF REGIS PECOS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BEN RAY LUJAN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2014

  Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the distinguished career of Regis Pecos, who has dedicated 
his career to working on behalf of his community and the people of New 
Mexico.
  I have had the honor of knowing Regis for many years as he served as 
Chief of Staff to my father, Ben Lujan, Speaker of the New Mexico House 
of Representatives. Regis was more than just a trusted advisor, he was 
a friend to my father and to our whole family.
  Regis has spent much of his career helping to advance the interests 
of the people of New Mexico, and has continually been a strong advocate 
for Native American communities in our state. Regis served his pueblo 
as both Governor and Lieutenant Governor and went on to work as 
Executive Director at the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs for 16 
years and under four different governors. While in this important 
position, he helped gain the support of the New Mexico State 
Legislature for the State Indian Child Welfare Act.
  Regis' passion for Tribal public policy and community issues extends 
beyond his time in government. In 1997, he co-founded the Santa Fe 
Indian School Leadership Institute, an organization dedicated to 
creating systemic change within Tribal communities. The Leadership 
Institute helps create a dialogue on the important policy issues facing 
Indian Country and also gives youth community members important 
exposure and education on Native issues.
  The knowledge and passion that Regis has brought to his endeavors on 
behalf of the people of New Mexico will be greatly missed as he leaves 
the Roundhouse. But I know that whatever the next chapter brings for 
Regis, he will always remember his deep roots and always work to build 
a brighter future for his community and his state. It is with great 
honor that I congratulate Regis on his many years of service and wish 
him continued success.

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