Former Pueblo of Isleta Governor Max Zuni has died, leaving behind a legacy of leadership in tribal education and cultural preservation. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department offered condolences to Zuni’s family and the Pueblo of Isleta community.
"New Mexico has lost a true partner and champion for his people," said Lujan Grisham. "Governor Zuni understood that real leadership isn't about taking credit—it's about taking responsibility. Whether he was navigating COVID, working to make Isleta’s assisted living facility a model for the state, or tackling economic challenges, he showed up for his community every single day. New Mexico is better because of leaders like him, and our thoughts are with the Isleta Pueblo community as they honor his legacy and continue the important work he championed."
Zuni served as Isleta Governor in 2023 and 2024. During his term, he engaged with 137 high school students across three districts to discuss their concerns. He emphasized the importance of education, cultural traditions, and learning their Native language.
Josett D. Monette, Cabinet Secretary of IAD, who met Zuni while serving as Associate General Counsel in the Pueblo of Isleta, expressed her sorrow at his passing. "This is a great loss and I am sending good thoughts to the Pueblo of Isleta and Governor Zuni’s relatives," she said. "I am so grateful and honored for the opportunity to have worked with him both at the Pueblo of Isleta and in my role with IAD as he was always a joyful, inspiring and respectful leader." Monette added that "the positive impacts he made for his community and those he worked with will live on in his memory."
Information from this article can be found here.
