What Indigenous Women Rising Stands For

Indigenous Women Rising (IWR) stands for the self-determination, bodily sovereignty, and collective power of Indigenous people, especially Indigenous women. We fight to protect the rights, health, and futures of our communities by addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization, patriarchy, and systemic injustice. Our work centers Indigenous values of care, responsibility, and community, to ensure that Indigenous people have access to the resources, healthcare, and respect we deserve.

Why We Are Involved During Legislative Sessions in New Mexico

We are present and active during New Mexico’s legislative sessions because decisions made in the legislature directly affect the lives of Indigenous people and our sovereignty. We show up to advocate for policies that protect reproductive justice, healthcare access, and tribal rights and to challenge legislation that harms or excludes Indigenous communities.

By tracking bills and collaborating with other organizations, IWR ensures that Indigenous voices are heard in spaces of power where we have historically been silenced. Our involvement is an act of resistance and care rooted in protecting our people, our land, and our right to thrive.

What we track/priorities for legislation sessions

Reproductive Justice & Healthcare Access – protecting access to abortion, midwifery, and culturally competent care.

Tribal Sovereignty & Rights – supporting laws that uphold tribal self-governance.

Data Sovereignty & Privacy – ensuring Indigenous people have control over their data.

Here’s what we tracked during the 2026 legislative session

Learn More

Want to get involved in #NM Leg?

Here are tips on testifying:

Preparation

Know your audience:

Research the committee members, their priorities, and recent hearings to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives. Expect questions aligned with their political leanings.

Keep it concise:

Written testimony can be long and detailed, but your spoken statement should be focused

(2 minutes or less is typical).

Have a clear “ask”:

Be very clear about what action you want the committee to take.

Support with facts + stories:

Pair data with human impact, statistics show scale, stories show why it matters.

During Testimony

Speak slowly and clearly:

Nerves may cause you to rush; pacing yourself helps your message land effectively.

Stick to your key points:

Don’t get sidetracked. Repeat your central message when possible.

Address members respectfully:

Always use titles like.

“Chair,” “Ranking Member,” or “Senator/Representative [Last Name].”

Stay calm under pressure:

Expect tough or even hostile questions; answer respectfully and pivot back to your key points.

Be honest:

If you don’t know an answer, say so. Offer to follow up in writing.

Professionalism

Maintain good posture

and eye contact:

Project confidence and credibility.

Be respectful of time:

If asked to wrap up,

do so immediately.

How to Get Involved

Volunteer or donate to our support advocacy work.