This bill is a memorial that requests the Legislative Education Study Committee to convene a working group focused on the 520 Native American Language and Cultural Certification Program. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining and promoting Native American languages and cultures in education, highlighting the systemic inequities and cultural barriers that contribute to the loss of identity among Native American students. It acknowledges the establishment of the Native American language and culture certificates under Section 22-10A-13 NMSA 1978, which allows the public education department to certify individuals proficient in Native American languages and cultures, thereby recognizing tribal sovereignty and the expertise of Native American language instructors.

The working group is tasked with studying and making recommendations on various aspects of the certification program, including its organizational structure, accountability, pathways for advancement, and integration into the broader bilingual and multicultural education system. The bill calls for the inclusion of diverse representatives from relevant educational and cultural organizations in the working group and mandates that findings and recommendations be presented to the legislative education study committee and other stakeholders by December 31, 2025. Additionally, copies of the memorial will be sent to key education officials and governing bodies of New Mexico Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos.