Another reason our Native people get lost in the system is that at the federal level and even the state level, there is no way to add tribal affiliation in the data set. Considering NM is home to 21 tribes as well as numerous relatives from tribal communities from across the country, this information is important. As we know each tribe is a sovereign entity and therefore have different law enforcement situations, leadership and resources. Being able to identify what community you are working with is something that needs to be taken in account.
