UPDATE: A crucial conversation unfolded on July 15, 2023, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as leaders from Indigenous and Hispanic communities gathered to tackle long-standing misconceptions and shared challenges. Organized by the Chainbreaker Collective, the event drew dozens to the midtown campus, where participants addressed pressing issues impacting their communities.
The dialogue, featuring representatives from the Santa Fe Indigenous Center and La Sociedad Folklorica de Santa Fe, highlighted the need for unity amidst a backdrop of historical misunderstandings. Attendees expressed a collective desire to dispel myths that have divided their communities for generations. “Maybe we should have all the newcomers attend a class,” joked Anne Wheelock Gonzales, sparking laughter that underscored the event’s tone of collaboration.
Central to the discussion was the contentious obelisk, a symbol of division in recent years. However, Caren Gala, director of the Santa Fe Indigenous Center, emphasized that there are “much bigger concerns” at play, including access to healthcare and food affordability. “So that’s what we’re trying to do,” she stated, reflecting a commitment to tangible community improvement.
Soccoro Aragon, a member of La Sociedad Folklorica, shared her frustration over the portrayal of Spanish history as solely one of conquest. “They never said anything about families coming or what contributions they made,” she lamented, reinforcing her motivation to promote a more inclusive historical narrative. This effort culminated in the installation of a statue representing families and farm animals near the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, just blocks from the former obelisk site.
The atmosphere was one of nostalgia and hope, with Patricia Lopez reminiscing about a time when neighborhoods felt safer and more connected. “All my siblings, we had all sat in it, rocked in it, watched TV in it,” she said, referring to a cherished family rocking chair that symbolizes shared history.
Attendee Kathryn Harris Tijerina, former president of the Institute of American Indian Arts, highlighted the importance of discussing the past to forge a better future for Santa Fe. “We’re talking about the future of Santa Fe, and we need to talk about the past to get to the future,” she asserted, reinforcing the event’s aim to build bridges between communities.
The gathering was not just a reflection of shared histories but also a response to contemporary divisive rhetoric. Tomás Rivera, executive director of Chainbreaker, addressed this directly, stating, “Today, I see some people running for office encouraging these supposed differences and saying our communities are enemies.” He urged attendees to recognize their shared roots and respect for the land, emphasizing, “Don’t try to divide us.”
This event marks a significant step toward healing and collaboration among communities that have historically faced challenges. As the dialogue continues, the focus remains on collective action to improve health care access and affordability, ensuring that voices from both Indigenous and Hispanic backgrounds are heard.
As Chainbreaker and its partners move forward, the urgency for unity and understanding grows. With continued efforts to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote shared community values, the hope is that Santa Fe can emerge as a model of collaboration, setting an example for other regions grappling with similar issues.
Stay tuned for more developments as this conversation evolves and impacts the communities involved.
