Amanda Manjarrez's Blog - June 2008
The New Mexico State Cultural Properties Review Committee recently made a highly controversial decision to temporarily designate Mt. Taylor as a Traditional Cultural Property. This decision gives the five nominating tribes (Acoma, Laguna, Hopi, Zuni, and the Navajo Nation) exactly one year to back up their claims of its sacred nature.
I attended the public meeting, which took place Saturday, June 14 in the Grants High School Gymnasium. It was here that NM State Cultural Properties Review Committee heard two emotionally charged sides of this complex story. Oddly enough, both sides had segregated themselves to the point where one would have assumed that this battle was pre-planned and seats had been assigned.
On one side of the gym you had ranchers, private property owners, and others representing mining interests. The majority happened to be white and Hispanic, and was wearing green stickers that said "It's Our Mountain Too." Tribal representatives, natives, and other advocates who were there to support the cause made up the other half of the gym. The council sat between the two ready to hear their testimonies.
As the tribal leaders spoke and introduced themselves one by one in their native tongues I remember feeling extremely nervous that someone from the other side was going to make a rude or inappropriate comment. As it was, the hint of groans and a sense of impatience emanated from the opposing side and filled the room.
The tribes mainly addressed how the sacredness of Mt. Taylor was related to their unique cultures in such a way that their livelihoods actually depended on its continued existence. They expressed quiet dignity as they spoke not only about how the mountain affected them, but how it was important to preserve it for everyone's benefit.
After a brief intermission, the floor was opened to the public and people were allowed their time to speak at the podium. It was at this point that the real underlying questions and concerns that brought this designation to the floor in the first place finally came out... Read More »
I attended the public meeting, which took place Saturday, June 14 in the Grants High School Gymnasium. It was here that NM State Cultural Properties Review Committee heard two emotionally charged sides of this complex story. Oddly enough, both sides had segregated themselves to the point where one would have assumed that this battle was pre-planned and seats had been assigned.
On one side of the gym you had ranchers, private property owners, and others representing mining interests. The majority happened to be white and Hispanic, and was wearing green stickers that said "It's Our Mountain Too." Tribal representatives, natives, and other advocates who were there to support the cause made up the other half of the gym. The council sat between the two ready to hear their testimonies.
As the tribal leaders spoke and introduced themselves one by one in their native tongues I remember feeling extremely nervous that someone from the other side was going to make a rude or inappropriate comment. As it was, the hint of groans and a sense of impatience emanated from the opposing side and filled the room.
The tribes mainly addressed how the sacredness of Mt. Taylor was related to their unique cultures in such a way that their livelihoods actually depended on its continued existence. They expressed quiet dignity as they spoke not only about how the mountain affected them, but how it was important to preserve it for everyone's benefit.
After a brief intermission, the floor was opened to the public and people were allowed their time to speak at the podium. It was at this point that the real underlying questions and concerns that brought this designation to the floor in the first place finally came out... Read More »
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