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    • New Mexico celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday
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    New Mexico celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday

    Madoc Meredith Posted on

    ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – On Monday, New Mexicans recognized and honored the state’s indigenous peoples and communities, as well as America’s difficult history, around the state holiday. “Every day is Indigenous Peoples Day and we are just lucky to be able to celebrate it together here today,” said Monique Fargua, chief operations officer of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

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    Since 1971, the second Monday in October has been celebrated as Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples Day is a relatively new holiday that was federally recognized three years ago. New Mexico is one of 17 states to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. “The fact that New Mexico celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day is a wonderful feeling. The fact that my children and our children’s children can see themselves as a part of this day is very special,” Fargua said.

    The federal holiday has been controversial in recent years because of Columbus’ mistreatment and exploitation of indigenous peoples. “I think part of the controversy has to do with the narrative about Columbus and his discovery of the Americas, even though we, as native peoples of the United States, were actually already here! There was no point in finding us,” Fargua said.

    In 2019, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Indigenous Peoples Day into state law.

    Gov. Lujan Grisham sent this statement Monday:

    Today I join all New Mexicans in celebrating the indigenous nations and people of New Mexico and across the country, while honoring their sacred languages, cultures and heritage. Today is about reflecting on history, learning from it and recognizing the resilience of our Indigenous communities. My Administration continues to strengthen relationships with the nations, tribes and pueblos of New Mexico based on the premise of honoring tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

    Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

    Department of Indian Affairs Secretary Josett Monette, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, sent this statement:

    Indigenous Peoples Day stands for recognition and appreciation of our state’s indigenous population and our country’s difficult history. Native history has been suppressed, but New Mexico is correcting that and empowering Native Americans in New Mexico to be at the forefront of our state’s identity, culture and future. Indigenous peoples are resilient and continue to make incredible and valuable contributions in every industry across New Mexico. Indigenous Peoples Day provides an opportunity to recognize and understand these important contributions and to take some time to learn a little more about our Indigenous partners and relatives across our great state.

    Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

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    Madoc Meredith
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