SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – Every cabinet-level agency in New Mexico has signed and adopted a collaboration policy as part of an effort to improve the state’s relations with American Indian tribes.

The collaboration policies stem from legislation signed into law by Gov. Bill Richardson earlier this year.

The governor says all cabinet agencies now have a formal process in place for communication and collaboration with sovereign tribal governments in New Mexico. He says this will give the state a strong foundation for better addressing the needs of Indian communities.

The collaboration policies were created by six workgroups, each led by a tribal co-chair and a state co-chair.