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Resentment by Native people in New Mexico is rising over an annual reenactment of Spanish conquistadors retaking Santa Fe in 1692. Frustration boiled over this year, resulting in the arrest of eight people protesting the Entrada de Don Diego de Vargas.
Organizers of the annual pageant say they’re commemorating a “peaceful resettlement.” Native opponents say the demonstration does not accurately represent the bloody oppression that accompanied the actual historical events. Where do such reenactments fit in with current national discussions about race and making heroes out of flawed historical figures?
Guests:
Elena Ortiz (Ohkay Owingeh) – organizer for In the Spirit of Po’Pay
Demetrius Johnson (Diné) – President of KIVA club, organizer with Red Nation
Rob Martinez – deputy state historian for New Mexico
Break Music: Dat One (song) The Delbert Anderson Trio (artist) MANITOU (album)
That’s my mother Elena. I am the cofounder of In the Spirit of Popay and I believe that what happened was uncalled for, it was scary. I was present and my friend was arrested in front of me. And I wish people would listen