Joaquin Gallegos

Jicarilla Apache Nation & Pueblo of Santa Ana
AGE: 27
HOMETOWN: Denver, CO

Joaquin supports U.S. policy actions to strengthen Indian Nations. He was originally named a Champion for Change in recognition of his passion for increasing access to health care — and oral health care in particular — for Native communities.

Joaquin’s focus is to ensure American Indians and Alaska Natives receive the quality and safe health care that they need and deserve. He also advocates for court-compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act to prevent predatory foster care and adoption placements of Indian children. Joaquin also works to protect sacred sites and culturally important lands and waters in the Southwest from extractive activity. His writing appears in the New York Times, Washington Post, Albuquerque Journal, and Santa Fe New Mexican. He currently attends the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

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