§ 33-10-2 NMSA 1978

It is the purpose of the Native American Counseling Act to provide a program of counseling for native Americans confined in penal institutions in New Mexico, to teach good work habits and develop motivation through work; to develop and instill cultural pride and improve the self-image of native Americans; to develop an understanding of the cultural differences between native Americans and other ethnic groups and assist the native American in relating and adjusting to such differences; to train the native American and his family to develop attitudes of mutual trust, mutual respect and an interdependence based on mutual understanding; to increase the availability of Indian spiritual leaders for teaching native Americans in the areas of Indian history, cultural sensitivity and Indian religion; and to generally involve native Americans in those aspects of the penal system that will assist in their rehabilitation and adjustment to a fuller life after their release from confinement.