UPDATE: A vital conversation between Indigenous and Hispanic communities in Santa Fe just took place on October 14, 2023, organized by the Chainbreaker Collective. The discussion tackled historical misconceptions while fostering unity and collaboration amidst pressing concerns such as healthcare access and food affordability.
Dozens gathered at the midtown campus to hear leaders from the Santa Fe Indigenous Center and La Sociedad Folklorica de Santa Fe engage in a candid dialogue. The event aimed to dispel long-held myths about the heritage of these communities, highlighting their shared experiences and mutual goals.
“Native people have disappeared. Spaniard is synonymous with conqueror,” noted the organizers, addressing misconceptions that have historically divided the community. Anne Wheelock Gonzales, a key speaker, humorously suggested,
“Maybe we should have all the newcomers attend a class,”
underscoring the need for education and understanding.
The conversation inevitably touched on the controversial obelisk that once stood in the Plaza, a symbol of division in recent years. Caren Gala, director of the Santa Fe Indigenous Center, emphasized,
“You hear a lot about the obelisk and racial tension, but there are much bigger concerns than that.”
She highlighted issues such as healthcare access and food affordability, stating,
“So that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Soccoro Aragon of La Sociedad Folklorica de Santa Fe shared her motivation for community engagement, reflecting on her frustration with historical narratives that overlook the contributions of families from Spanish heritage.
“They never said anything about families coming or what contributions they made,”
she recalled, advocating for a statue that celebrates these contributions in Cathedral Park.
Participants expressed a longing for unity, with Patricia Lopez reminiscing about a time when community ties were stronger. She remarked,
“I think it carries all of us that way,”
referencing a cherished family rocking chair that symbolizes shared history.
Kathryn Harris Tijerina, a former president of the Institute of American Indian Arts, underscored the importance of discussing both past and future. She asserted,
“We’re talking about the future of Santa Fe, and we need to talk about the past to get to the future.”
The event was part of ongoing discussions about the future of the midtown campus, where leaders from various nonprofits, including Chainbreaker, came together to address community concerns. Karen Buller, chair of the Santa Fe Indigenous Center, expressed her unease with previous plans proposed by some organizations. She found common ground with Tomás Rivera, executive director of Chainbreaker, who echoed her sentiments about the importance of unity.
Rivera passionately stated,
“Today, I see some people running for office encouraging these supposed differences and saying our communities are enemies.”
He urged the attendees to celebrate their shared roots, declaring,
“We are more than friends. Don’t try to divide us.”
As this conversation unfolds, the sense of urgency to address community needs and foster understanding remains paramount. The collaboration between these groups signals a progressive step towards healing and unity in Santa Fe, showcasing the power of dialogue in overcoming division.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and share this important dialogue to spread awareness and inspire further discussions in your own community.
