First female governor of NM graduates from law school (huh?)

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Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

May 16, 2009

What? That's right. The first female governor of New Mexico -- a Navajo student -- accepted top awards from the University of New Mexico law school on Friday.

Allow me to explain: Gertrude Lee, who will receive a juris doctorate today from UNM, joined about 100 law student graduates for an awards reception leading up to the graduation ceremonies. While there were many awards given throughout the evening, Lee, 25, was called to the stage last night for top honors. She was given the outstanding student award in clinical legal education, meaning she excelled in providing legal advice to her clients. She also won the Mary Beth and W. Richard West Jr. Award for Excellence in Indian Law. Finally, Lee's fellow student peers voted her to be the next likey female governor of New Mexico, which would be a first in the state. UNM law school is most noted for it's Indian law and clinical programs.

We are in Albuquerque, N.M. right now, getting ready to attend Ms. Lee's law school graduation. She is looking good this morning, decked out in a striking blue dress. How do I know all this? She's my sister-in-law. And, yes, we are all very proud of this outstanding young woman.

Jodi Rave

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

(Mandan, Hidatsa/ Mniconjou Lakota)

Founder & Editor in Chief

Location: Twin Buttes, North Dakota
Email: jodi@buffalosfire.com

Spoken Languages: English

Topic Expertise: Federal trust relationship with American Indians; Indigenous issues ranging from spirituality and environment to education and land rights

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Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder and Editor in Chief

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