UPDATE: A pivotal discussion between Indigenous and Hispanic communities took place on October 14, 2023, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, organized by the Chainbreaker Collective. The event aimed to tackle historical misconceptions and foster unity among diverse heritage groups.
Dozens gathered at the midtown campus, formerly the College of Santa Fe, to hear leaders from the Santa Fe Indigenous Center and La Sociedad Folklorica de Santa Fe engage in urgent dialogues about shared challenges, including healthcare access and food affordability. Anne Wheelock Gonzales, a key speaker, humorously suggested that “maybe we should have all the newcomers attend a class,” highlighting the need for education on cultural history.
The conversation inevitably touched on the controversial obelisk on the Plaza, a symbol of division in recent years. “You hear a lot about the obelisk and racial tension, but more so than any time, there are a lot bigger concerns than that,” said Caren Gala, director of the Santa Fe Indigenous Center. Her comments reflect a growing sentiment that issues like health and economic security are paramount to community cohesion.
Soccoro Aragon, a representative of La Sociedad Folklorica, expressed her passion for dispelling myths about the Spanish heritage, recalling her frustration in school when only the narrative of conquest was presented. “They never said anything about families coming or what contributions they made,” she stated, advocating for a shift towards recognizing shared histories.
Patricia Lopez, also from La Sociedad Folklorica, reminisced about a time when community bonds were strong, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences in healing divisions. “All my siblings, we had all sat in it, rocked in it, watched TV in it. That little piece has carried through in the generations,” she said, invoking nostalgia for a more united past.
The event’s significance was underscored by Kathryn Harris Tijerina, a former president of the Institute of American Indian Arts and citizen of the Comanche Nation. “We’re talking about the future of Santa Fe, and we need to talk about the past to get to the future,” she stressed, urging attendees to focus on collective progress.
As the dialogue unfolded, attendees expressed a pressing need for unity in the face of political rhetoric that seeks to divide communities. Tomás Rivera, executive director of Chainbreaker, echoed these sentiments: “Today, I see some people running for office encouraging these supposed differences and saying our communities are enemies. But I want to underscore our friendships.”
The discussions held on Saturday are part of a broader initiative by Chainbreaker and local nonprofits to engage various heritage groups in constructive conversations about the future of Santa Fe. With ongoing efforts to heal historical wounds and foster collaboration, this event marks a significant step towards bridging divides.
What happens next? Community leaders are now calling for continued engagement to address pressing social issues, fostering a spirit of collaboration. The conversations from this event may serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of all residents in Santa Fe.
This urgent gathering not only highlighted the need for unity among Indigenous and Hispanic communities but also demonstrated a collective commitment to confronting shared challenges head-on. As the discussions continue, the hope is to inspire action that will benefit the broader community.
