Albuquerque becomes first American city to recognize tribal sovereignty by establishing government-to-government relations

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.-Following a unanimous vote of the Albuquerque, New Mexico city council to pass a bill amending the originating ordinance of the Commission on American Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, Mayor Tim Keller joined tribal leaders and councilor Ken Sanchez today to sign the first-of-its-kind bill into law.

The ordinance recognizes tribal sovereignty and self-determination for tribal governments and requires the city to establish a government-to-government relationship between the city and the surrounding Pueblos and Tribes. It increases the size of the commission from five to nine m...