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A p r oj e c t o f t h e s A n tA f e 4 0 0 t h co m m i t e e
Someone you know
is hungry.
Over 17,000 peoople in Santa Fe
County go hungry each day.
Honor World Food Day
2011 and support our food drive
to benefit the Food Depot
Our new free mobile banking app makes it easy to bank fast and
on-the-go. At Century Bank, you can manage your accounts your
way and that will never change.
877.424.2828 u centurynetbank.com
BEYOND400 3
GET A HEAD START FOR YOUR KIDS
IN SANTA FE COUNTY
For information or to apply
CALL Alejandra at (505)954-4601
EARLY HEAD START 0-3 years of age
HEAD START 3-5 years of age
4 BEYOND400
400
S A N TA F E
BEYOND PA S S I N G T H E B ATO N
COVER PHOTO PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 19, 2010
Kitty Leaken
Table of Contents
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Robin Martin
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Ginny Sohn
The Future Starts Today Mayor David Coss.............................................................6
MANAGING EDITOR
Rob Dean Alex Wirth Master of Ceremonies ....................................................................................8
EDITORS Audri M. Roybal Master of Ceremonies.....................................................................10
Sandra Baltazar Martínez
Ana Pacheco From Roots to Fruits Tim McLaughlin .....................................................................12
Ana Trujillo
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Mud & Memory Estevan Rael-Galvez ........................................................................14
Linda Johnson
What's the Tweet? Lazaro Cardenas..........................................................................16
CONTRIBUTORS
Lazaro Cardenas, Nicolasa M. Chavez, Sustaining the Tapestry Alvin H. Warren..............................................................18
David Coss, Marielle Dent,
Marzia Dessi ,Yujie Ding, In Step with Harambe Noel Lopez ............................................................................20
Tunté (Sunshine) Eaton, Eliot Fisher,
Vaughn Fortier-Shultz, Carmen Gallegos, Re-Cognition Kaelyn Ramsden & Shana Rappaport .......................................22
Emma Hamming-Green, Noel Lopez,
Valerie Martinez, Tim McLaughlin, Musings of an Ex-Teen Nicolasa M. Chavez ..........................................................24
Kate Medley, New Mexico Youth Forum
Estevan Rael-Galvez, Kaelyn Ramsden, Pueblo Life & Traditions Tunté (Sunshine) Eaton ..............................................26
Shana Rappaport, Audri Marie Roybal,
David Salazar, Charlotte Small, The Power of Print Emma Hamming, Green & David Salazar ..................28
Austin Tyra, Tori Velarde, Alvin H. Warren,
Dasha Wilson, Alex Wirth Stories to Tell Eliot Fisher..................................................................................................30
ADVERTISING Changing the Norm Carmen Gallegos .....................................................................32
Advertising Director Joe Vigil, 986-3007
Marketing and Design Department One Circus at a Time Kate Medley ...............................................................................34
Manager David Del Mauro
Advertising Layout Christine Huffman Across Generations Valerie Martinez .......................................................................36
DESIGNERS New Mexico Youth Forum New Mexico Youth Forum ....................................38
Elspeth Hilbert, Scott Fowler,
Dale Deforest, Bill Jacobi, Santa Fe in 100 Years Alex Wirth ................................................................................40
Enrique Figueredo
BEYOND400 5
LETTER FROM MAYOR DAVID COSS
S
urely, the energy, faith and devotion of the new generations inheriting Santa
Fe will be worthy of our history. This year we have commemorated our mul-
tinational and multicultural heritage for which we can all be proud. Going
forward, young people of all faiths, cultures and races will have a hand in making
Santa Fe a special place, a light to the world.
So to the young people of Santa Fe, you will continue the work of building
community in this beautiful but dry land. You will make sure our rivers and forests,
plains and deserts remain the magical and inspiring places the Pueblo people first
encountered.
You will develop an economy that works for all, based on art, culture, science and
technology. Make sure you get the education you will need to thrive as a leader in
Going forward, young this economy. You will find your economy will be most stable if it is locally lead and
centered but is also connected with people around the world who are working for
economic and environmental justice.The Santa Fe Trail to St. Louis, the Spanish Trail to
people of all faiths, California and the Camino Real to Mexico City still signify opportunity for Santa Fe.
As always, your family and your community are the most important assets
you have. Remember our history as Santa Feans and do not define your family
cultures, and races or your community narrowly. Robert Kennedy addressed young people in South
Africa on this topic almost 50 years ago: “Everywhere new technology and com-
will have a hand in munications bring men and nations closer together, the concerns of one inevitably
becoming the concerns of all. And our new closeness is stripping away the false
masks, the illusion of difference which is at the root of injustice and hate and war.
making Santa Fe Only earthbound man still clings to the dark and poisoning superstition that his
world is bounded by the nearest hill, his universe ended at river shore, his common
humanity enclosed in the tight circle of those who share his town and views and
a special place, the color of his skin. It is your job, the task of the young people of this world, to
strip the last remnants of that ancient, cruel belief from the civilization of man.”
a light to the world. I am excited and hopeful about Santa Fe as it completes its 401st year. I am con-
fident that Santa Fe's young people and coming generations will build a city and a
community we and our predecessors would have been proud to have built. Their
energy, faith, and devotion will light our community of Santa Fe, far into the future.
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I am Prep
Current Student. Future Leader. Senior Class President
Jorge Martinez cares about his community. Whether he’s guiding
his peers through difficult decisions, collaborating in the school
play, playing defense for the soccer team, or soaring to the top of
his academics, Jorge challenges himself and his peers. “I give my
best in everything I do. I owe this determination and my love of
learning to the teachers I’ve had at Prep and the environment I’ve
grown with there since 7th grade.” Join Jorge at Prep.
You can be a leader too! If you missed Open House, it’s not too
late to see what Prep’s all about. Call Talia today for a tour at
982.1829 ext. 1211.
BEYOND400 7
ALEX WIRTH
Master of Ceremonies
I am a seventh-generation New Mexican and native Santa Fean. My mom is
Carol Romero-Wirth and her side of my family originated in Mora, New Mexico,
where my grandmother Martha Romero grew up. My dad is Peter Wirth (yeah,
the State Senator) and my grandfather John Wirth was born is Dawson, New
Mexico — now a ghost town. My great grandfather John Gaw Meem came
to Santa Fe to seek treatment for tuberculosis in 1920 and ended up stay-
ing and developing the famous New Mexican Territorial Architectural style.
I
graduated from Wood Gormley Elementary School in 2005 sort of clue that debate entailed competing with over 300 kids
and am a product of Wood Gormley legacies Ms. Scarborough, from all across the state. I have fallen in love with the activity
Ms. Medrano, and Ms. Christensen. I am currently a Senior at and have medaled in every tournament that I have entered in.
Santa Fe Prep and enjoy studying history. I have made honor roll Some of the highlights include making semi-finals at the national
every semester I have been at Prep and recently was recognized by championships in congressional debate, taking second place at
the College Board as a National Hispanic Scholar. the state championships and making the top 32 out of 154 teams
I get great enjoyment from my involvement outside of the at the Yale Invitational debate tournament with my debate part-
classroom. I have always known that I love politics and govern- ner Lauren Buchanan.
ment and have pursued my interests in this area. I am currently In 11th grade, I started to get involved in promoting youth
the president of the Santa Fe Prep Student Council having served service and youth opinions at a national level. I was selected out
for six years and held the positions of vice president and secretary. of 300 students for one 15 spots on DoSomething.org's National
Through the student council, I have worked on and lead a series of Youth Advisory Council. DoSomething.org is a national youth ser-
fundraisers that have raised over $10,000 for both local and inter- vice organization that is on track to motivate 1.2 million youth to
national nonprofits. get involved in their communities this year.
Besides the student council, in my freshman year I joined the It has always been a dream of mine to serve on a Presidential
Model United Nations team and have stuck with it through senior Youth Advisory Council and so when I heard there was talk of
year. One of my best friends, Jorge Martinez, and I lead our team of starting one, I jumped on board. Over the past year, I have been
freshmen and sophomores in 2008 to a Best Delegation of the Year the leading youth advocate working with the Forum for Youth
Award. The following year Kelsey Leonard and I received honorable Investment to call for the creation of a National Youth Council.
mention for best Security Council delegation. We are currently working with the White House to make this
In my freshman year, I also applied to serve as a reporter for The council a reality.
Santa Fe New Mexican’s Teen Newspaper Generation Next. Besides During my senior year, I applied and was selected to serve on
writing numerous articles on everything from youth shelters to the Youth Service America’s Youth Advisory Council. I am currently
how detention is given in schools, I worked on Generation Next’s the only youth in the country simultaneously advising the nation’s
special high school dropout report. I interviewed the superinten- two largest youth service organizations. I have also recently been
dent, Senator Bingaman, and Colin Powell — all interviews that I accepted to State Farm’s Youth Advisory Board to work with a
got just by e-mailing their offices. I am currently one of the student group of 30 youth from across the country to develop and imple-
editors for Generation Next. ment a $5 million a year grants program.
The last thing I got involved in my freshman year was the Yes, I do sleep at least six hours every night (usually more like
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, which has been on of the most seven or eight) and I do have free time. In my free time, I enjoy
personally rewarding activities for me. Through the board, I have hanging with my friends Brian Lewis, Bronwyn Barnwell, Lindsay
advocated for a new teen center, fee reductions for youth at the Demay, Derek Nunner, Allegra Haines, and Justin Haas. I am also an
Genoveva Chavez Community Center, programs to reduce youth avid outdoorsman and enjoy skiing roadrunner at the basin, hiking
violence, and the effort that made the city transit system free for in Hyde Park, or running along the Santa Fe River.
youth. With the help of Caitlin Smith and Kamon Tari we have com- If I had written my bio during my freshman year, I couldn’t have
pleted our second annual “What Can You Do in 21 Days” citywide written 75 percent of this because I didn’t even know these activi-
food drive this year that raised 4,000 pounds of food for the Food ties existed. I recommend that teens follow their passions and
Depot. I currently serve as the chair of the board. pursue every opportunity that they come across. You never know
In my 10th grade year, I wanted to start a debate team at where life can take you.
Santa Fe Prep so that I could argue with people. I didn’t have any
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BEYOND400 9
AUDRI MARIE ROYBAL
Master of Ceremonies
Audri Marie Roybal is the daughter of Richard and Mary Ellen Lopez and grand-
daughter to Gary and Carol Roybal of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is a graduate of
Santa Fe High School and now is pursuing a degree in medicine with a minor in
fine arts at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque campus. In 2007 she was
chosen to represent the state at an eight-week international leadership camp in
Rhinebeck, N.Y. Since being involved in this leadership camp, Audri has taken on
leadership roles both in the community and through school.
I
n her senior year she was elected to serve as the director of dancer she has traveled to dance with Alonzo King LINES Ballet
activities of Santa Fe High’s Student Government. She has and has danced with few master teachers in Granada, Spain.
coordinated many school and community wide events; she All of these opportunities could not be possible without the
was a confirmation and religious education teacher for younger love and support of her family and more importantly, her mother.
high school students at Santa Maria De La Paz Catholic Church, As a then 15-year-old sophomore parent at Capital High School,
she also served on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, and par- Mary Ellen knew that a better life was well worth striving for in
ticipated in internships during legislative sessions working right order to ensure hers and daughter Audri's well-being. Mary Ellen
alongside state representatives and senators. Audri has spoken set the example for Audri by graduating high school and acquiring
on behalf of her peers on the issue of domestic violence for the a master’s degree as Certified Family Nurse Practitioner from UNM.
National Foundation for Women Legislators and was also runner Audri attributes her own success to her mother’s positive
up in the Miss Santa Fe pageant in 2010. example. Audri plans to become a physician, specializing in emer-
gency medicine and taking her medical
“As I watch the younger generations grow I can see a significant change degree with her to the Peace Corps. With
high hopes for the future, Audri is just
in the people and students our world is creating. I can only hope that embarking on the next chapter of her life.
With many years of school ahead her future
with these changes comes great success for these younger generations.” looks bright and success is inevitable for
this young woman.
Since graduating from Santa Fe High, Audri has become Audri Marie Roybal is a native of Santa Fe. She is a graduate of Santa
involved with many organizations at the university level. She is Fe High School and now a student at the University of New Mexico.
one of 20 young people to be accepted into a Healthcare Careers
Audri is the Master of Ceremony for the 2010 Youth Symposium.
Living and Learning Community, She is part of the Emerging
Lobo Leaders program that directly feeds into the Student In her words: “In the future there are many aspects of society and
Government at UNM and volunteers with Community Experience the world I would like to change. As I watch the younger generations
and participates in many school activities with Lobo Spirit and grow I can see a significant change in the people and students our
Student Special Events. As if all this is not enough, she is also a world is creating. I can only hope that with these changes comes
new member of Pi Beta Phi sorority Alpha chapter at UNM. Audri
great success for younger generations. With the help and wisdom of
is an enthusiastic young leader who enjoys being involved in her
past generations, I have learned a great deal about myself, and I look
community, offering anything and all she has to give as an indi-
vidual and as a member of the many groups she is involved in. forward to being an example for future generations. Anyone can be
In her spare time Audri has also found time to join Poetry Slam successful with the right amount of effort and willpower to do so.”
groups across the state, has written for the Generation Next section
of The Santa Fe New Mexican and stayed committed as a modern
and flamenco dancer with Moving People Dance Theater. As a
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BEYOND400 11
TIMOTHY P. McLAUGHLIN
We are currently building a full theater production centered on the Moccasins and Microphones poems to be presented live at the
LENSIC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN SANTA FE ON APRIL 3RD, 2011.
12 BEYOND400
We youth spin modern truth to rhythms. Word graduate Nolan Eskeets (Diné) is the trusted apprentice coach
and a solid role model for the whole group. Singer and songwriter
We speak to know who we are.
Madi Sato serves as the assistant coach (and team mother). She brings
We write to remember who we were. expertise in music, dance, and theater that excellently complements
my writing background and significantly expands the possibilities of
At this moment, our program is more vibrant than ever. Spoken
our work.
Word is now an official academic course at SFIS and part of our reg-
ular curriculum. This has brought great new energy to our poetry
circle. Three times per week, we meet to breathe, pray, sing, write,
My child, at your feet, I give you soil.
and dance together. It’s pure magic. Sometimes, I can hardly believe In your mind, I give you infinity.
I’m in a classroom. And yet, it’s what education should be. All the In your left hand, I give you a seed.
“multiple intelligences” identified by Howard Gardner are engaged
and therefore developed in the students.
In your right hand, I give you a rain cloud.
Perhaps the most important element of our educational model I bless you with beauty to create beauty.
is its family-like environment. The team members include youth
aged thirteen to eighteen, ranging from seasoned veterans who have We are delighted to continue our relationship with Santa Fe 400th at
been with the program five years to fresh recruits authoring their the Beyond 400 Youth Symposium. We were honored to perform for
first poems. A natural mentorship environment exists that empow- both the Santa Fe 400th opening ceremonies at Fort Marcy Park and
ers the senior members to teach what they know and emboldens the the commemorative event on the downtown plaza. The SFIS Spoken
youngest ones to give it a go. Word Team is one of the many unique artistic voices of our Santa Fe
The current captains of the team are Santana Shorty (Diné), Clara community that make this city such a place of beauty and connection.
Natonabah (Diné), and Ariel Antone (Tohono O’odham). SFIS Spoken Let us honor that beauty and celebrate our connections.
The Santa Fe Indian School Spoken Word Team, photo by Brian Valinski. Seated: Autumn Billie, Clara Natonabah,
Santana Shorty, Ariel Antone Standing: Timothy McLaughlin, Jonisha Juanico, Johnny Cammarata, Peshawn Bread,
Chad Brown, Savannah Quam, Marty Fragua, Athena Morning-Star, Colin White, Nolan Eskeets, Madi Sato
Not Pictured: Chris Quotskuyva, Dakota Cournoyer
Timothy P. McLaughlin is a teacher and a poet. He is the founding director of the SFIS Spoken Word Program. He compiled a manuscript of writing by
Lakota students at Red Cloud Indian School titled Is This Good? scheduled to be published by Abrams Books in April 2012. To order a copy of Moccasins
and Microphones or to learn more about the Spoken Word program, please visit: www.sfisspokenword.org. Poetry lines in the article are excerpted from
“Blessing” and “Evolution”, two group poems written by members of the SFIS Spoken Word Team.
BEYOND400 13
DR. ESTEVAN RAEL-GÁLVEZ,
Executive Director, National Hispanic Cultural Center
Man Made of
Mud & Memory
Autobiographical Sketches Youth Symposium,
Santa Fe: Beyond 400
W
here I come from, before you even speak, before you tell a story, it is
not only respectful, but also necessary to introduce yourself. I was
born at the edge of a very particular time, in the midst of a civil rights
movement, where the tenacious march of men and women, thirsting for justice,
could only be matched by someone walking on the moon.
I was born in La Jara, named for the abundance of willows that once grew
along the upper Rio Grande. I was raised in two places in northern New Mexico,
the first with my parents on their farm at the base of the Costilla river and within
Being a part of the effort the shadow of Ute Mountain, which stands as a vigilant reminder of both an
absence as well as the inherited-presence of a people now displaced. I was also
to foster a dynamic raised up along the Kiowa Trail, in the century old home of my grandparents in
Questa, a village formerly named, but remembered still as San Antonio del Rio
environment where Colorado, a village that sits like refuge, surrounded by mountain peaks, save the
one shaved off by a decades of the mining of molybdenum.
culture, creativity, I was also born into people and their stories — “I was there,” tio Arcenio said of
my father’s birth, “he was born with irrigation boots on,” playfully referring to the
fact that my father had spent his entire life, shovel in hand, moving waters. Here, I
consciousness and learned about the value of labor and learned to appreciate the responsibility of stew-
ardship-caring for land and animals alike and yet he always encouraged me to find
community are sustained words and stories as a way out. As a compliment, my mother, who spent decades,
schooling children in her own village, taught me how to use stories as a way in.
in order to illuminate, Raising me was a shared responsibility, however. I had the good fortune of
being raised by my grandmother as well, a woman born in the late 19th century,
who most inspired imagination and encouraged my life long hunger for memory.
inform and inspire is We used to sit in her porch, a resolana, where she delicately wove stories of the
past with her words, instilling in me how critically important history and mem-
precisely our legacy and ory were. These weavings were the connection between past, present and future
and were especially important in a world that was quickly changing.
our continuing responsibility This setting seems nearly romantic and picturesque; however, like many rural
communities, ours was beset with the challenges of unemployment, isolation and
today and into the future. the gradually increasing ravages of poverty, drugs and despair. The odds were
against the children growing up in these villages, but even in this setting, I learned
from my elders that we still have choices. I was not drawn, as those who preceded
me were, to farming, but mine was a hunger for learning. I wanted to learn from the
world and nourished with the core values of my upbringing, I eventually decided to
journey into it.
14 BEYOND400
I attended and eventually graduated from the University of California,
Berkeley. While my studies were concentrated in literature and ethnic studies,
my education in a larger community was also just beginning. I was hired initially
as an intern in my work at Instituto Laboral de la Raza, an organization support-
Our youth have always
ing the working poor Latinos in the Mission district of San Francisco, California.
My work consisted of advocating for workers and their wages. While the initial
been the promise
impetus was pre-law training, the immersion in this urban community was per-
sonally and professionally transformative in connecting me to a life-long com- of continuing to
mitment to the work of social justice, a commitment I have carried ever since.
I went on to complete an M.A. and Ph.D at the University of Michigan’s make history and
interdisciplinary American Cultures Program with my training grounded espe-
cially in cultural anthropology, history and literature. From my grandmother
I had also learned early on that stories are gifts, but gifts always carry a great
to imagine our future.
responsibility of holding them, carrying them and recognizing that balance is
knowing when they can be used to sustain community and when they can be
used to raise its consciousness. From her
and another great grandmother, I learned
about how much Indian slavery had
shaped New Mexico’s social landscape, a
subject that would move from personal
stories to a professional dissertation proj-
ect, Identifying Captivity and Capturing
Identity: Narratives of American Indian
Slavery in New Mexico and Colorado 1776-
1934, a focus on the meanings of American
Indian slavery and a unique legacy and
identity in northern New Mexico and
southern Colorado.
Although I was interested and deeply
committed to merging critical think-
ing with critical practice, I had always
assumed that I would do this as a fac-
ulty member within a university setting.
Although extended the opportunity of
tenure track positions in various uni-
versities, I chose instead to return home and ground my theoretical work in This was the house of Juan de Jesus Bernal and
the communities I belong to and write about. Toward that end, in 2001, I was Jacintita Romero, great grandparents of
Estevan Rael-Gálvez in Costilla, New Mexico
named the state historian of New Mexico, a tremendous honor and a position
I served in for eight years, initiating among many project, the New Mexico
Digital History Project, a Scholars fellowship program and an vibrant educa- Dr. Estevan Rael-Gálvez is Executive Director of the
tional outreach program that included an internship program. National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque,
In 2009 I left this position and assumed the honor of serving in the position New Mexico. As the New Mexican State Historian
of executive director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. When I think of from 2001-2009, he initiated several innovative pro-
what is possible at this relatively young institution, I think of a creativity stimu- grams. Rael-Gálvez also served as Chairman of the
lus, where arts and ideas are especially important to the health of our communi- Cultural Properties Review Committee, the policy-
making/advisory board for historic preservation in
ties. I also think of the words of the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano, who
New Mexico. He received his B.A. at the University
cogently observed: “when it is truly alive, memory does not complicate history, it
of California at Berkeley in Literature and Ethnic
invites us to make it.” Being a part of the effort to foster a dynamic environment
Studies, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in American Culture
where culture, creativity, consciousness and community are sustained in order to at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. His dis-
illuminate, inform and inspire is precisely our legacy and our continuing respon- sertation examined the narrative of Native American
sibility today and into the future. Our youth have always been the promise of slavery and their implications for identity. He is cur-
continuing to make history and to imagine our future. rently working on a book, The Silence of Slavery.
BEYOND400 15
LAZARO CARDENAS
16 BEYOND400
Who is going
to read this?
What am I saying?
I went on Facebook and looked at her profile and saw the pictures posted.
How will people
Because of those pictures the person did not get the position. I did not want to
associate ASUNM with someone who did not represent the organization in a respond to
proper manner. Along with this story I have heard numerous stories of employ-
ers looking at their employee’s page and reprimanding or even firing their
employees for the pictures posted. Universities across the nation are also look-
what I put?
ing at pages for applicants. If your dream was to get into a certain university,
you work hard in school, do well in your SAT, and volunteer; one photo could
ruin your chances.
Put security restrictions on your social networking sites. This will prevent random
people from looking at your information and only limit it to your friends or select
people.
AVOID ALL OF
Think before you act. For example, before you put embarrassing photos up of
THESE DISASTERS yourself or someone else think what are the possible ramifications. The same can
be said for when you write something on the internet.
BY FOLLOWING Accept friends that you know. Most of the time people accept requests from
random people to increase the amount of “friends” that is shown. This may be
SOME SIMPLE STEPS problem because what if that request you accepted is not really the person they
say they are. If you follow these three steps, then you can enjoy social networking
safe and effectively.
When we are young we make mistakes. Those mistakes that we make provide
us with the knowledge to learn. In order to become the great leaders of Santa Fe
and New Mexico it is important to learn from your mistakes. Social networks
are an extension to our public life. Think of it this way: You would think twice
before saying something vulgar in a classroom filled with your peers, teachers,
Think before
and family. So the next time you say something vulgar or post pictures on a
social network just think of it being in a classroom filled with the above. you act.
As was quoted in the beginning it is easy to destroy a reputation. It is hard
to gain one and preserve it. To obtain the dreams and goals that you have estab-
lished for yourself, understand that being responsible is an inherited trait.
Making a mistake on a social networking site could potentially hold major ram- Lazaro Cardenas is a native New Mexican born and
ifications. As a student I know how easy it is to not think things through. Just raised in Taos, New Mexico. Currently he is the ASUNM
remember to follow those three steps to avoid any problems. You are the change President and is in the Navy ROTC. After graduation he
and face that will lead Santa Fe and New Mexico to a brighter future. will receive a commission into the United States Navy.
BEYOND400 17
ALVIN H. WARREN
Sustaining
the Tapestry
O
Our great diversity of languages, cultures, f the 300-500 indigenous languages spoken in North America prior to
European contact more than 200 are still spoken, according to an 2006
and traditions distinguishes New Mexico article entitled “Reclaiming the Gift” by Mary Eunice Romero-Little
from anywhere else in the world — and and Ofelia Zepeda. In New Mexico, these include Keres, Tiwa, Diné, Tewa,
every New Mexican is richer for it. It is a Zuni, Towa, and Apache. However, only 34 of those 200 are still being naturally
acquired as a first language by children.
testament to the strength and resiliency
I’m very familiar with this challenge. Like many children whose families
of the people of the 22 tribes, nations were affected by the Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school policies of Native
and pueblos in New Mexico that in 2010 language prohibition, I was not raised as a fluent speaker of our Tewa language.
I have tremendous respect for the many individuals who have had the for-
every tribe continues to speak its unique
tune to be raised strongly in their languages and traditions and, as a teenager,
indigenous language and maintain com- came to realize the importance of doing my part to learn our language. When
plex, land-based cultures that we have I approached my late-grandmother Louisita Baca Warren to teach me, she was
been endowed with since time immemo- reluctant at first because of her experience of being punished as a young woman
for speaking her language in boarding school. I persisted and, ultimately, she
rial. We have survived three waves of col-
decided to teach me, not just the translations of the words but the deeper mean-
onization, outright religious persecution, ings within them. Those who dismiss the decline of global linguistic diversity
and ill-conceived governmental policies fail to realize that each language contains a vast universe of distinct values,
experiences and knowledge that — once lost — is impossible to recreate.
and institutions focused on annihilat-
Little did I know that learning Tewa would later enable me to assist with
ing Native cultures and languages. All regaining significant portions of our ancestral homelands and to serve eight
New Mexicans should be proud that our terms as a tribal official for our Pueblo, including two terms as lieutenant gov-
state laws and policies now support the ernor and two terms as tribal interpreter (a position held by my great-grandfa-
teaching of indigenous languages and Parents and grandparents, we need to take the time to teach
that our state celebrates Native American
our children their language and culture, and young people
cultures. Yet our greatest challenges lie
need to express an interest in their traditions, seeking out family
ahead. Historical trauma combined with
and community members who are willing to teach them.
an omnipresent mainstream media cul-
ture are quickly eroding the number of ther Pedro Baca at the turn of the 19th century). And particularly because of the
experience and relationships developed during my time as lieutenant governor
Native languages being learned by chil-
I have had the privilege of serving as New Mexico’s cabinet secretary of Indian
dren. Whether New Mexico’s indigenous affairs for almost three years. I am very thankful to my grandmother, and to the
languages and traditions continue to many relatives and elders who have continued to teach me since she passed away
thrive in 2410 as they do now depends on in 1989. While I still have much to learn, I now have the ability to convey to my
children something that I did not have when I was their age.
what we do individually and collectively
I share this personal story in the hope that it might encourage both the
starting right now. many young Native men and women who are striving to become fluent in their
18 BEYOND400
languages as well as the many parents and grandparents who are interested in
teaching their children and grandchildren. We certainly should applaud the
many effective Native language programs that exist in tribal communities across
Those who dismiss the decline of
our state and that fact that the New Mexico Indian Education Act supports the global linguistic diversity fail to
teaching of Native languages in our schools. At the same time, we must focus on
our crucial role as parents and grandparents and youth. Many of us continue to
realize that each language contains
experience the aftermath of the boarding school era, which hampers the teach- a vast universe of distinct values,
ing of our languages. We need to confront this historical trauma and move
beyond it.
experiences and knowledge that —
Though we have fought to bring modern infrastructure into our tribal com- once lost — is impossible to recreate.
munities we are now confronted with a global media and internet culture that
incorporates other cultures as voraciously as it
supplants them. This requires that we proac-
tively mitigate the homogenizing influence that
the internet and television can have on our cul-
tures. While there are certainly opportunities to
use technology to assist with maintaining our
languages, the strongest tools that we have are
those that have been handed down from gener-
ation to generation: parents and grandparents,
we need to take the time to teach our children
their language and culture, and young people
need to express an interest in their traditions,
seeking out family and community members
who are willing to teach them.
This is equally true for all New Mexicans.
We are blessed to have cultures, languages
and traditions as diverse and beautiful as our
mountain forests, verdant valleys and desert
plains. We should all take pride in the fact
that this tremendous diversity forms a single
tapestry that is our state’s culture and iden-
tity. This is the enchantment that brings visi-
tors from around the world to New Mexico.
Collectively we must continue to develop pol-
icies and devote resources that support insti-
tutions and efforts that promote the vitality
of our languages and traditions. Individually
we must embody and convey the core values
that make our families and communities
unique. If we do this I am confident that we
will sustain what makes us New Mexicans
over the next 400 years and beyond.
BEYOND400 19
NOEL LOPEZ
20 BEYOND400
it started. He has been my right hand man being that he is one of the co-founders
and his expertise comes in handy. I believe that the hip hop culture enriches the
community and engages the youth in an active and productive way. By providing
this art form, where the youth can be actively engaged, we are helping the youth
stay away from negative and harmful habits. This also provides opportunities for
interested youth to work with a professional co-promotion team that works toward
building a formal apprenticeship program.
I have worked with local organizations such as Santa Fe 400th Festival, Museum
of International Folk Art, and Santa Fe Boys and Girls Club. With these organi-
zations I did things such as hosting events, teaching classes, volunteering among
other. I have also worked with worldwide companies such as Lions-Gate, Red Bull,
and, most recently, Tribal Gear. I filmed with Lions-Gate in movies and TV shows.
Red Bull helped me by sponsoring Style Warz B-Boy event. Tribal Gear has helped
me sponsor my event (Into the Prime). Now, I mass produce clothes, DVD’s, I’m
part of a group that produces music, and I am the founder of Harambe movement.
Among that, I also host and judge hip hop events, and continue to be an active b- When I wasn’t in school, I would practice
boy, competing around the nation. Recently, on November 6, 2010, I achieved one
of my greatest accomplishments: I promoted and hosted Into the Prime, at friends’ houses, community
a Four Element Hip Hop Show (Four Element represents B-boying, centers and local dance studios –
DJ-ing, MC-ing, and Graffiti art). After this event I would like to
continue to expand and evolve and sponsor the next generation of luckily for me, I didn’t have to hide my
talented kids. passion nor be sneaky about it.
Growing up, I didn’t have much. I was raised in an unfor-
tunate environment with limited resources but I was able to
overcome the obstacles and make my dreams a reality. The
advice I would give the youth is to aim for high goals
and stay focused — the road ahead is long
but the end result is rewarding. My biggest
inspiration is my struggle, pain, family,
friends and my culture. The struggles
I have overcome throughout my
25 years of life are what make
me the person I am
today.
BEYOND400 21
KAELYN RAMSDEN & SHANA RAPPAPORT
Re-Cognition
What happens when the life of what you love most is threatened?
The instinct to protect ignites a fire to act.
T
he fire was lit in 16-year-old Erica Fernandez upon discovering the proposal
of a liquefied natural gas facility in her low-income, Oxnard, California, com-
munity. Aware of the immeasurable negative consequences this imposed, she
would not let the rights of her community be trampled by the corporate power of
BHP Billiton.
Mobilizing the youth and Latino voice to stand up against this injustice,
Fernandez garnered the support of stakeholders, young and old, to successfully
prevent the facility's construction.
Two voices are certainly louder than one. A community of unified voices, Fernandez
learned, is more powerful than money. Recognizing young people as fully capable of
leading those voices is more imperative than ever at this moment in history.
What’s being called upon us now is a paradigm shift in the way we live on this
planet, and the youth will lead this movement. Recognizing this in us, as the leaders
of tomorrow, will make this shift as revolutionary as it needs to be.
As recent members of the New Mexican community, we offer the following out
of deep love for our generation, this planet, and the future of both. We’re not here
to offer a prescription, rather to share what we see as the fundamental issues to be
addressed in this global conversation.
The debate is over when it comes to climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and
our responsibility for it all. And, while it’s easy to feel disempowered by how big and
gloomy it all seems, every revolution starts with one action.
No one expects you single-handedly to restore your local watershed or eliminate
all the trash in your county. But turning off the water while rinsing dishes and refus-
ing single-use plastic bags – those are first steps. The root of every global issue – both
environmental and social – manifests in our communities; so let’s start there.
Let’s look the truth of the injustices around us in the eyes, and ask ourselves,
“What are their roots?” As we unveil these answers, we will discover the permanent
solutions, eliminating justification for the overuse of temporary bandages to heal
such deep wounds.
Top: raised in southeast England, Kaelyn Ramsden Let us recognize how every wound in our community is interconnected with
moved to Santa Fe to work with Bioneers as the youth the next. How can we have a conversation about childhood obesity without talking
program coordinator. As an outdoor explorer, her about food justice? In taking a whole systems approach, we inevitably find that they
dedication to environmental justice is rooted in her are invariably interlaced. So find where your greatest concerns lie, and start there.
love for the natural world. You can reach her at krams- Bioneers Co-CEO & Co-founder Nina Simons, in her newest book Moonrise:
den@bioneers.org The Power of Women Leading From the Heart, writes that, for her, “It’s about notic-
Bottom: Shana Rappaport, originally from Berkeley, ing where your flame grows brighter and seeing how you connect up what you love
California, recently joined Bioneers as their educa- most with what’s most needed out there.” And with so much action needed, now is
tion program manager. She believes that education certainly the time to be creative in how we call upon this in each of ourselves.
is the most powerful tool we have for actualizing our We offer our belief that recognizing the potential of young people as leaders in
visions of a just and sustainable future for all. You every community is a key ingredient in the formula for environmental and social
can reach her at srappaport@bioneers.org. transformation.
22 BEYOND400
As someone with a vested interest in this community, what do you care about So, we’re here to ask for your support.
most? Safe schools for your children; the green chile recipe your great-grandmother
ELDERS: We challenge you to share with us
passed on; celebrating the rich cultural traditions of your ancestors. Consider how
your knowledge: your recipes, your crafts, and
much longer these treasures will live on if part of responding to that flame inside
yourself includes sharing your love of it with us. how your ancestors lived from the land.
The future of what you love is in our hands. So share your stories with us — TEACHERS: We challenge you to be creative in
because hearing someone care deeply for something breeds compassion. And out of your teaching practices, remember that we all
compassion, an innate desire to protect is born. learn differently, and encourage us to turn off
It’s true—sometimes we may roll our eyes, or seem unwilling to listen. But let our TV’s and pick up a paintbrush.
these words be a reminder that your dedication to us does not go unappreciated. The
reality is, we’re often consumed by other concerns. BUSINESS COMMUNITY: We challenge you to
For some of us, our minds are fixed on the danger we face walking home at night, volunteer your time to teach us about investing,
or even the domestic violence awaiting us once we get there. For others, we are over- entrepreneurship and how to run a sustainable
whelmed by our parent's unrelenting expectations, or the drama and bullying we business.
experience at school each day. FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY: We challenge
We may be distracted, but we are listening. you to manifest the core principles of community
Just as each individual differs from the next, so too do the struggles young people service and compassion not only in your pro-
encounter daily. From gang violence and teen pregnancy, to our growing awareness grams, but throughout your neighborhoods, too.
of how the current systems in place are setting us up for failure—every pain is legiti-
mate, and from them we grow. YOUTH: Let us be active receivers of this wis-
Don’t underestimate the potential in each of us to leverage power from our dom, ask questions, and demand recognition
struggles. The challenges and hardships we face – so often used as reasons for our when we don’t feel we’re getting it.
lack of leadership—are, in fact, the very experiences that best equip us to face the Show us that we matter. And please
challenges ahead. remember: we are listening.
BEYOND400 23
NICOLASA CHÁVEZ
The Musings of an
Ex-teenager in Santa Fe
A
s the curator of Latino/Hispano/Spanish Colonial Collections at the
Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, I am often asked, “What
does one study to get that job?”
A curious question with not a straight answer one may study history, anthro-
pology, art history, archaeology, and a growing discipline called museum stud-
ies. My personal experience includes a BA in Spanish and in History, an MA in
History, a passion for Latin dance and music, flamenco and Argentine tango
in particular, and simply growing up in culturally rich New Mexico. All of the
Our youth have the opportunity above fed and fueled my desire to choose a career in art and culture.
As a child I felt a natural attraction to art. I believe we all do. From the time
of our births art is in our blood, permeating every day existence. We are artists
to be a part of living tradition from that very moment when we are drawn to one specific color over another
and have a strong identification. That color becomes a signifier of who we are as
and take an active part in the now. an individual. In the same way a favorite song or movie becomes a signifier of
who we are. As we grow and change so does the art that we carry with us.
They possess the power to Art is never static. It is ever changing. Many wonder how traditional art forms
can survive in this day of technological advances? How do we keep art and cul-
ture alive for future generations? Especially when the “generation now” is con-
create each day through their stantly bombarded with “that which is new?” I believe in everything new there is
a little trace of historical/cultural precedent. It is with this viewpoint that I delve
own stories, their own images, into the world of pop culture as inspiration for artistic education. Pop culture is
viewed as a rebellion from the refined but pop culture is also a vehicle for art.
Many young kids get their first glimpse of fine art through the medium of pop
their own memories of living music, literature and film. This was also true for me as a young “tween” during
the era of MTV, when MTV was still about the music.
in and being inspired by Santa Fe. Music videos and lyrics can introduce art and cultural traditions via col-
laborations between artists and musicians. An article on Lady Gaga written
by Lisa Robinson in the September 2010 issue of Vanity Fair article illustrates
this point. In the article Lady Gaga's artistic partner, the designer and DJ Matt
Williams tells Robinson, “If some 12-year-old kid knows that Gaga collabo-
Nicolasa Chávez, a 14th-generation New Mexican,
is the curator of Latino/Hispano/Spanish Colonial
rated with [artist] Terence Koh, and he googles him and finds his gallery –
Collections at the Museum of International Folk Art it opens up a whole world to an art scene that that kid may have never found.”
in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She received B.A.s in his- This quote brought a memory of my own personal rediscovery of the tradi-
tory and Spanish and an M.A. in history (2001) with tional Catholic art of New Mexico.
a concentration in modern European/Iberian stud- I use the word rediscovery since, as I have mentioned before, I did not grow
ies at The University of New Mexico. She is currently up in a cultural void but in this wonderful richly artistic land. However by high
researching the history and culture of Spanish fla- school I desired to learn something different than the local art of Santa Fe. I had
menco as well as trade commodities and cuisine in grown up going to Spanish Market, had relatives in market and even performed
the New World. flamenco for market. I was sick and tired of seeing santos. I did not really appre-
24 BEYOND400
ciate the art we had here until an inspired encounter with Madonna’s music video
for her song “Like a Prayer.” Full of intensely dramatic Catholic Iconography that
video garnered in me a new appreciation for local religious iconography. Both
of which are completely different but have a shared historical inspiration. This
video could not have been dreamt up or created without the precedent of Catholic
religious iconography. This same iconography and the unique way in which it is
created is part of what makes Santa Fe a special place. Now when I think of that
video it brings a smile to my face and I am reminded that we can find an appre-
ciation of our own cultures in the most unexpected places. I am also conscious of Art is never static.
the fact that what was once old becomes new again.
Like Madonna before her Lady Gaga is considered new, fresh, and all about It is ever changing.
youthful rebellion. Madonna was the icon of ’80s fashion, Lady Gaga and icon
of retro fashion. One does not need to look at the fashion of rock and pop stars I believe in everything
to see that what is new is old and that our contemporary clothing takes inspi-
ration from history. Currently the everyday clothing of the teen population new there is a little trace
of historical/ cultural precedent.
shows a revival of the sharp shoulders, ruf-
f les, gathered and puff sleeves of the ’80s.
Upon viewing these I recall a fabulous exhi-
bition during my youth at the Palace of the
Governors titled, New Mexico in the Guilded
Age. It remains one of my favorite exhibits
and inspired me to want to work in museums.
I viewed the amazing Victorian costumes of
this exhibition and realized these were the
very inspiration for the “Valley Girl” look
of the 1980s. Much more than a passing fad,
19th c. design elements live in the fiesta
dresses, mariachi and flamenco costumes of
present day New Mexico.
Here in New Mexico art, culture and his-
tory are extremely strong descriptors of our
state and often permeate everyday existence.
New Mexican style is seen as unique but it
is also a part of a larger whole. This style
may go in and out but the fact that it returns
every couple of years show it is timeless. Our
heritage continues to get discovered by new
people, whether via the pages of a magazine,
on-line, or a music video or Hollywood movie.
Our youth have the opportunity to be a part
of living tradition and take an active part
in the now. They possess the power to create
each day through their own stories, their own
images, their own memories of living in and
being inspired by Santa Fe. Each day we con-
tribute to what will be our cultural heritage
La Virgen de Guadalupe Haircomb by Maya Dean of US and Yucatean heritage, ca. 2004.
tomorrow. Once today is over it is the past and
This image is a contemporary design by an Hispanic artist living today. The haircomb or
peineta has been a popular fixture of Spanish style since at least the 17th c. or earlier. becomes a part of the collective history and
It is still emblematic of Hispano/Latino style in New Mexico today. culture of Santa Fe.
BEYOND400 25
TUNTE EATON
The youth of Santa Fe today have GREAT OPPORTUNITIES to give back to their
COMMUNITY in any way they think is possible. If we all LOVE, CARE, AND RESPECT
one another, we will all be SUCCESSFUL in the beautiful“town”of Santa Fe.
auntie of Lauren and Alicianna, daughter of Gil and Camille Vigil, and grand-
daughter of Jesse and Viola Clairmont and Marcus and Priscilla Vigil. The Pueblo
of Tesuque is where I grew up and still live at today. I have a deep appreciation
Tunté (Sunshine) Eaton is an up-and-coming vision-
for my traditional ways of life in both my Pueblo and Lakota cultures. My grand-
ary Native American leader who grew up on the
Tesuque Pueblo. Tunté is passionate about tribal pol-
mother Priscilla Vigil (Saya) instilled both traditional and contemporary values in
itics and education. Because of her passion’s, she has me by teaching me Tewa songs, traditional dances, and how to cook traditional
her eyes set on two careers. First, she would like to be Pueblo foods; and, she encouraged me to get an education, so that I could return
the first Native American woman superintendent of to my community to help my people.
the Santa Fe Indian School; second, she wants to be I took these words of encouragement to push me in my educational endeavors.
the first Pueblo woman to serve in the New Mexico I started out small by obtaining an associate’s degree in teaching at the Santa Fe
State Legislature. She plans on achieving these goals Community College because I wanted to return to my alma mater, the Santa Fe
by tailoring a distinct background, which includes Indian School (SFIS), to teach Native American history. I graduated with a bache-
recently graduating from Harvard Kennedy School of lor’s degree in secondary education from the College of Santa Fe, and I made it my
Government with a master’s degree in public admin- mission to be a mentor and role model to the youth while teaching at SFIS. And I
istration. She is also candidate for a juris doctorate did just what my Saya envisioned me to do, which was to give back to my commu-
from The University of New Mexico School of Law in nity and people.
2012. These two degrees will help her continue on an My passions are education and politics, and I have my eyes set on two careers.
unstoppable path. First, I would like to be the superintendent of SFIS; and second, I want to serve
26 BEYOND400
on the New Mexico State Legislature. I plan
on obtaining these goals by tailoring a distinct
background, which includes recently graduating
from Harvard Kennedy School of Government
with a master’s degree in public administration,
and I am also a candidate for a juris doctorate
from the University of New Mexico School of
Law in 2012. These two degrees will help me
become a leader on behalf of my community,
which I think comes from a long line of leader-
ship history.
I grew up with my father telling me the story
of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The Pueblo peo-
ple decided to take action into their own hands
because if they did not, it would be the death
of their way of life as Pueblo people. When the
Spaniards were exploring for gold, they found
the Pueblo lands and decided to settle in our
home area. Not only did they decide to settle
here, but they also decided to infringe on the
lives of the Pueblo people. They made slaves out
of the Pueblo people by having them cultivate
crops for the Spanish people, they converted Jerome Samuel of
the Pueblo people into a foreign religion of Tesuque Pueblo,
Catholicism, and they forced the Pueblo people leads a group in the
from not continuing their own traditional ways Snowbird Dance.
On August 10, 1680, the Pueblo leaders decided that they were going to force
all Spanish people out of their Pueblos and surrounding lands. The Pueblo people
succeeded by chasing the Spaniards back down to Mexico. It was not until 12 years
later that the Spanish wanted to come back into Pueblo lands. The Pueblo peo-
ple knew if the Spaniards were to come back into Pueblo territory that they could
possibly put them in the same terrible circumstances as they did 12 years prior.
But, the Pueblo people knew that they were placed on this earth to love, care, and
respect all living beings and their environment. With these values, they accepted
the Spanish back into their land. It is our story that the Spaniards could only re-
entry New Mexico if they left the Pueblo people alone, to live their life as before
the Spanish came.
Today, all Pueblos respect the Spanish people and their culture by honoring
a Catholic Saint, and having a Pueblo Feast day in that saint’s honor. My Pueblo
honors annually Saint Diego on November 12. We hold a traditional Pueblo Feast
day showing respect for both cultures and traditions. This is a true understanding
of loving, caring, and respecting one another, which will help our communities to
continue to have a quality life for our youth.
Growing up in Tesuque Pueblo, I was taught the values of loving, caring, and
respecting one another. These values have helped me shape who I am today by
always remembering where I come from, whom I represent, and why the creator
has put me on this earth. Santa Fe has always been a significant part of my life in
my education and my dreams. The youth of Santa Fe today have great opportuni-
ties to give back to their community in any way they think is possible. If we all
love, care, and respect one another, we will all be successful in the beautiful “town”
Tunté Sunshine Eaton performing the Buffalo Dance. of Santa Fe.
BEYOND400 27
EMMA HAMMING-GREEN
PRESENTER
I
am currently a senior at the Academy for Technology and the Classics, where
I have advanced through all my school years since the seventh grade. My
favorite classes have always been English and French and I hope to continue
on the track of language study throughout college. Although I haven’t figured out
where I will be next year, I’m hoping to go to college in the Northwest or to study
abroad in the Netherlands for a year. My mother is Dutch and her side of the fam-
ily is living in Holland so I’ve been familiar with the country my whole life, but I
would like to become fluent in the language and culture. The only way I can really
imagine achieving that goal is to spend an extended amount of time there.
As almost everyone does, I love to travel and want to see the world. I would
love to go to South and Central America. My parents met in Guatemala, where
they were both working for a peace organization, Peace Brigades International.
( THE POWER
They then moved up to Bellingham, Washington, where they got married.
28 BEYOND400
DAVID SALAZAR
PRESENTER
M
y name is David. I’m unemployed and I live with my parents.
Actually, I’m not unemployed. I work for Silver Rain Bird, Inc., a
retailer/wholesaler of semiprecious and precious stones on the
weekends. But I do live with my parents, although it’s pretty much assumed
that a 17-year-old would. I've lived in Santa Fe my entire life on land that my
parents bought from my aunt.
I suppose you could say I’m close to my family, although that’s mostly
because a good third of my mom’s family live within 1,000 feet of me and
despite a lack of privacy, I wouldn’t want it any other way. My dad’s family is
from Springer, New Mexico, a small town I love to hate, but whose inhabitants I
value beyond words. Being born and raised in Santa Fe, I can say with absolute
conviction that I love it here, and that Santa Fe and New Mexico are where my
PRINT (
heart is (pardon the cliché).
OF Now, the city I love, the city of my birth, the city of Holy Faith turns 400, I
have a chance to be a part of history and to share my own history with a town
whose history is so rich and so varied that mine could never stack up.
It takes a long time to warm up to Santa Fe – and New Mexico in general.
Most people dislike it here because it’s all they’ve ever known, because they
think their parents should have settled elsewhere, or because they feel they
wronged somebody in a past life. But the fact of the matter is that there isn’t
anywhere more unique, more surrounded by fascinating history than Santa Fe.
Which is why I’m going to have a hard time saying good-bye to it.
For the past four years, I’ve wanted to avoid going to UNM, which we all
know stands for University Near Mom. Needless to say, I plan on applying
almost exclusively to out-of-state schools for college. What’s unfortunate about
this situation is that it comes at a time when I’m beginning to fully understand
how awesome Santa Fe and most things about it are. On top of all this, when I
graduate high school, I’m moving with my family to Las Vegas, Nevada. Overall
Santa Fe didn’t choose a very good time for its merits to dawn on me. But I’ll
always value the time that I've lived here.
I have a lot of time left in Santa Fe, and I’ve been lucky to live here through
some of the most historic years in the city’s and my lifetime. I’ve been present
for only 17 years of Santa Fe’s 400, but have been afforded the great opportunity
to be a part of the celebration marking those 400 years and to share in the fes-
tivities. Additionally, there is nothing better than how inherent my being raised
in Santa Fe is to my personality and my consciousness.
BEYOND400 29
ELIOT FISHER
STORIES TO TELL:
Empowered Students &
Youth Media Project
R
eturning home to Santa Fe after attending a small liberal arts college in
the East, I was excited to become more deeply rooted in the community
in which I grew up. Toward this end, I have actively tried to involve myself
in a range of local organizations and institutions, most recently volunteering the
past year for Youth Media Project as an AmeriCorps VISTA.
Originally part of the War on Poverty, the VISTA program (Volunteers in
Service to America) has been around for more than four decades, and its admin-
YMP YOUTH MEDIA PROJECT
istrators take pride in claiming it today as the only federal program whose explicit
goal is to fight poverty. VISTAs are assigned to sustainably build the capacity
of organizations that serve communities in poverty. So what exactly was Youth
Media Project (YMP), I wondered as I started my work, and how exactly did it
directly serve poor communities in Santa Fe and the surrounding region?
YMP's mission is to “teach and practice the
craft of digital storytelling for a socially respon- Youth Media Project
sibly world.” But what does this really mean?
It’s becoming increasingly apparent today that serves as a laboratory for
a great degree of power lies in the control of
information. So, working in a variety of set-
everyone involved to
tings with partner organizations in education, experiment with different
youth leadership, and civic engagement, YMP
provides the tools necessary for young people ways of linking the
to understand how to navigate and participate
in our rapidly changing technology landscape:
education of young
to listen deeply, think critically, and be an people more directly
active part of the conversation.
Within my first months of work, I was to the knowledge,
impressed to see how our participants empow-
ered themselves to take the production of
cultures, and stories of
media into their own hands. In the process, their own communities.
they redefined “media” for themselves, seeing
in a new light the kind of stories can and should reach our communities. YMP
participants are encouraged to identify and tell the stories that are personally
important to them, as opposed to the focus of the corporate media, which dic-
tates the value of certain stories based on commercial interests.
And the stories young people tell, when they have an opportunity to speak
into that microphone: A high school dropout from Chimayó shares the terrify-
30 BEYOND400
ing moment when he learned he was going to be a father, an event that inspired
him to go back and get his GED. A Navajo student at Santa Fe Indian School tells
of the personal family tragedy that Washington lawmakers created by enacting
a law that led to the deportation of her Mexican stepfather. A Palestinian from
United World College describes how meeting Jewish students here and sharing a
meal made him realize how peace could be possible. Listening to their stories is as
powerful as seeing how the process transforms the tellers.
Having completed my year of service, I look at the work Youth Media Project
does with a deeper understanding of what it means to fight poverty with educa-
tion. The program serves as a laboratory for everyone involved to experiment with
different ways of linking the education of young people more directly to the knowl-
edge, cultures, and stories of their own communities. And it provides a valuable
supplement to our current educational system, which unfortunately often serves to
alienate rather than engage our younger generations. I am more inspired each day
by the network of organizations in our region doing this vital work.
Victor Castillo, a member of Youth Media Project.
Eliot Fisher is a media producer, writer, composer, and teacher from Santa Fe. He attended Santa Fe Prep and has degrees in film studies from Wesleyan
University and documentary studies from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, where he later taught in the Documentary Certificate Program.
Eliot currently teaches digital media production at Santa Fe Prep.
He says: “I was especially interested in exploring larger questions about independent media arts production: How do we all navigate the quickly
changing new-media landscape, as conventional roles between producer and consumer transform? And how do we take advantage of these changes
while not losing sight of useful, time-tested traditions of communication and storytelling?”
BEYOND400 31
CARMEN GALLEGOS
32 BEYOND400
presentations remains in “listening parties”
open to those involved in the show to take it in
and reflect on it as it goes out live.
Not only do we provide hundreds of teen-
agers with opportunities to learn valuable
artistic, technical and life skills, we’re working
to create the kinds of jobs here in our commu-
nity for them to actually use those skills. And
I love being an early example of that. Helping
our Audio Revolution! production team put
together their show week after week, I continue
seeing myself in my students. And I am so
excited for them. If their YMP experience can
be anything near as valuable as it has been for
me, they are in for an adventure that will take
them both out into the world and even deeper
into themselves and their own communities.
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KATY MEDLEY
34 BEYOND400
life skills. At Peñasco Circus and Arts Summer Community Foundation (2008), and by the Santa Fe Mayor’s Award for Excellence
Camp, youth have built a community vegeta- in the Arts (2005). Wise Fool has been voted “Best Local Theatre Group” in the
ble garden, learned about water conservation Santa Fe Reporter’s Best Of Poll for three years running (2008, 2009, 2010).
and decorated catchment systems, and created However, the real proof of our success lies not in these awards, or rising
performances about nutrition and nurturing, demand for our services, or repeat funding. We know that our programs change
permaculture, and negotiating generational lives and strengthen communities because people tell us so. “Nothing has boosted
differences. (my daughter’s) self-confidence the way her three days at Wise Fool did,” says
Wise Fool’s teaching artists are residents one parent of a Wise Fool student. A woman who takes classes with Wise Fool
of Santa Fe, Peñasco, Taos, and surrounding recently told us, “I grew up as the last kid picked for any gym team and experi-
communities. From formally trained to self- enced physical activity as something I could not do. Through Wise Fool I discov-
studied, all Wise Fool teaching artists possess
experience working with diverse youth in a Over the past 10 years, Wise Fool has created shows
variety of community settings, nationally and
internationally, and are accomplished profes- about social issues such as literacy, water rights and land
sional working artists committed to their dis-
ciplines and eager to pass on the traditions and use, immigration and borders, and domestic violence.
skills of visual and performance art.
Wise Fool’s programming has an impact ered that I could derive great joy from using my body and that anything I can’t
on New Mexicans that is significant and tan- do is something I can learn and train myself to do. This change has empowered
gible. Wise Fool’s work has been honored with me in all areas of my life.” These results mirror 90 percent of feedback we receive
a prestigious Piñon award from the Santa Fe from parents and students each year.
Wise Fool has partnered with over 40 local organizations over the past 10
years ranging from Warehouse 21, Santa Fe’s award-winning teen center, to New
Mexico State Behavioral Health Services Native Substance Abuse Prevention team,
Santa Fe Public Schools, The Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, regional
Boys and Girls Clubs, El Museo Cultural in Santa Fe, the International Folk Art
Museum, Esperanza Women’s Shelter, and the Institute for American Indian
Arts. We have developed programming for adults with developmental disabilities
through work with Challenge New Mexico and have offered workshops and per-
formances in juvenile detention centers and prisons through collaboration with
Outside In. We recently hosted free giant puppet builds and an outdoor event in
collaboration with twelve organizations, including Santa Fe Tibetan Association,
El Centro Communitario, Tewa Women United, EarthCare International, and
Capital High School’s Gear Up Project, creating giant puppets and performances
that highlight their causes and struggles.
Communities are joined together through shared experiences. As people sit
beside each other at Wise Fool performances, see each other at our community
events, and take our classes together, they connect with one another across per-
ceived social barriers, and they build a sense of community. Each year Wise Fool
serves over 9,000 individuals through performances and workshops. All of Wise
Fool’s programs focus on creative process, collaboration and dialogue as the well-
proven means by which our projects educate, strengthen and build community,
cross dividing lines, and boost understanding, personal pride and self determina-
tion. We encourage participants to become active in creating the positive change
they seek.
For additional information about Wise Fool, please visit our website at
www.wisefoolnewmexico.org.
BEYOND400 35
VALERIE MARTÍNEZ,
Executive Director, Littleglobe
REACHING ACROSS
THE GENERATIONS:
Hand-to-Hand, Heart-to-Heart
L
Eighty-eight-year-old Agnes “dances” ast March, after a year and a half of working together, three generations of
the Quintana Gallegos family finished a quilt begun by their mother/grand-
across the stage with 15-year-old Brenda mother/great- and great-great-grandmother who made the first stitch the day
and 30-year-old Linne. Five-year-old the astronauts landed on the moon in 1969. Three generations of the Akers Covelli
Hunt Family (including 16-year-old Delaney) created life-size photos of themselves
Suzette forms a “human wall” by interlock- and their beloved “Mary Louise” (who passed away at 104) and collaged them with
their “favorite things.” And in 2008, over 100 residents from the villages and town of
ing arms and legs with her mother Lilia,
Torreon, Ojo Encino and Cuba, ages 5-85, created and produced a festival of original
brother Emilio, and the rest of the ensem- films, music, spoken word, poetry, and performance after six months of creative col-
laboration.
ble. In 2007, Littleglobe presented the These and other Littleglobe intergenerational projects have shown the power
world premiere of Memorylines Santa Fe: and significance of New Mexico families working together. Littleglobe believes that
New Mexico 's wealth lies in the richness and diversity of its multi-ethnic, economi-
Voces de Nuestras Jornadas at the Lensic cally-diverse, and multi-generational communities. In a time when the media tends
to focus on New Mexico’s lower national rankings and challenges, Littleglobe is see-
Performing Arts Center. This “new opera”
ing the enormous capacity that is generated when youth work creatively with their
was created and performed by 24 Santa Fe parents, when parents create with grandparents, when grandparents collaborate with
grandchildren.
residents, ages 5-88, including grandmoth- How does this work? Littleglobe’s Common Ground projects start with an invita-
ers, children, and grandchildren. tion to Littleglobe by members of a community. This is usually a result of challenges
and/or divisions that are preventing residents from working together effectively and
moving forward. Community members are looking for ways to connect and coop-
erate—restoring healthier relationships (within and between families) and/or cre-
ating new ones that might lead to a brighter future for everyone. Littleglobe then
Valerie Martínez is a poet, essayist, librettist, play- spends time getting to know as many people, schools and organizations as possible.
wright, teacher and collaborative artist. She is the Eventually, we set up once or twice weekly gatherings, inviting any and all mem-
author of six books of poetry. For over 15 years, she bers of the community to join us for food, fellowship and creative engagement. We
has also worked with children, youth, adults, teach- emphasize that all members of the community are welcome, including families, and
ers, and seniors in a wide range of community pro- we schedule meetings outside of traditional school and work hours to encourage
grams. Valerie is executive director and core artist children, teens, young adults, adults and elders to attend.
with Littleglobe and was the poet laureate for the Over a period of months, community members collaborate with a Littleglobe
city of Santa Fe from March 2008 to March 2010. team of artists in different creative disciplines-music, dance, film, poetry, writ-
36 BEYOND400
ing, visual art, and others. Together, we might nificant together. It’s also important to mention that this kind of creative work is full
create human sculptures with our bodies, use of laughter, joy, and FUN.
vocal percussion to compose original works of Intergenerational collaboration, outside of work in family businesses, is becoming
choral “music,” create poetry that we perform more and more rare these days. We might gather together for occasional family din-
as a group. Children might use cameras to cap- ners or celebrations, but we do this without necessarily “building” something more
ture the faces and movements of their parents than a meal together. Busy schedules, hours surfing the net, video games, non-stop
or grandparents; grandparents lead the rest of texting, and the natural tendency to gather with those who are like us in age or per-
the group in prayers, traditional songs or art- spective segregates us from each other, within our families, and certainly from those
making. Many of these and other activities who might be different from us. This is an unfortunate reality of contemporary life.
require the active listening and witnessing of Intergenerational collaboration, at its core, draws on the individual capabili-
each participant’s idea or contribution, no mat- ties and talents of each family member and “weaves” them into a unified whole.
ter his or her age. And there is always plenty of Youth have a very special role in this. They live in worlds that are different from
food and fellowship. their parents’ and remarkably different than their grandparents’. They have skills
Littleglobe creative sessions ask each and and strengths their parents lack. They are often feisty and opinionated. And they
every participant to make space for differ- are very often yearning to be “heard.” Littleglobe creative sessions provide a safe
ent physical capabilities as well as perspectives and encouraging space for young people to express themselves, be witnessed and
unlike their own. A father listens to the poem be heard by their elders. At the same time, youth learn new things about their
of his teenage son; a grandmother teaches her elders by interacting with them in creative ways.
grandson the patience necessary to do beadwork; When youth and elders come together again and again in a joyful, creative space
a granddaughter helps her grandmother steady a that allows for the sharing of talents, perspectives and capabilities, magical things
camera. This kind of collaboration emphasizes happen. We discover and re-discover each other; we learn to cooperate across the
listening, tolerance, individual gifts and compas- years that once seemed to divide us, and we deepen our connections, making lasting
sion. And because each project involves the cre- memories and future collaborative projects all the more possible. Inter-generational
ation of a performance/installation/work of art, collaboration shows us the future of New Mexico, rising up and out of strong, lov-
youth, adults and elders develop the skills they ing, connected families that build stronger communities—hand to hand and heart
need to “build” something meaningful and sig- to heart.
Littleglobe is a Santa
Fe-based 501(c)3
organization that
exists to create
collaborative art,
nurture community
capacity, and
foster life-affirming
connections across
the boundaries
that divide us.
Learn more about us
and our projects at
www.littleglobe.org.
BEYOND400 37
NEW MEXICO
YOUTH FORUM The New Mexico Youth Alliance is a statewide advisory board composed of youth
representatives, one from each legislative district, up to 112 members from 14 to
24 years old. It is a project of the lieutenant governor’s office housed under the
New Mexico Forum for Youth in Community, a nonprofit organization striving to
promote positive youth development. The NMYA was established in 2003 by the
Youth Council Act, which enables state lawmakers to create policies with youth
recommendations. Each member has local support from an adult partner who
provides mentoring to Youth Alliance members throughout and beyond their
experience in the New Mexico Youth Alliance.
38 BEYOND400
young people can change the world. We understood the to grow into, but there is still tons of growth from us youth
responsibility of support for others and the importance of to reach that level. We believe that we are youth helping
helping each other. As youth, we stand as the experts in other youth. We consider ourselves youth who lead with
our creation but most importantly are developing ways to other youth; youth leading together.
share that knowledge. We share what we create because
we understand what we do serves’ a specific group, com-
Moneka Stevens-Cordova, director of the New Mexico Youth Alliance,
munity, or issue. The way we present and educate our
received her B.A. from The University of New Mexico with a focus on
ideas to others is by giving youth, as well as adults, is the
quality youth programming and will complete her masters’ degree in
“walls” to creating a specific plan or idea to the one who community regional planning from UNM with a focus in youth planning
listens. We are unique, “driven”, but most importantly striv- and youth policy in 2011. She has over 10 years of experience promoting
ing to get our ideas out and share them with the world. positive youth development through youth organizing and youth advo-
The creation of organization youth engagement stands for cacy. As director of the alliance, she connects and works with the young
people in our state as they are driven to staying engaged in their com-
the opportunity to be loud enough to get one’s attention.
munities to make positive changes. This engagement ensures youth are
What we do as supports, we help with the next step and
not only engage in their local communities, but are engaged in con-
that’s to stand up and present what young people want necting with elected officials to refine policies in order to benefit young
in their communities. Leadership is something one needs people and their communities.
BEYOND400 39
ALEX WIRTH, Generation Next
40 BEYOND400
CHARLOTTE SMART, Generation Next
In the Future
N
ext to Dublin, Ireland, Santa Fe, New Rudolfo Anaya, was born in rural New
Mexico, has the most writers per Mexico to farmers and sheepherders. This
capita. For the first half of the 20th majestic landscape grew to inspire his
century, writers such as Willa Cather and D. H. novel Bless Me, Ultima. The story discusses
Lawrence came to Santa Fe, in search for inspi- a time, not too long ago, and an “enchanted”
ration and enthralled by its alluring beauty, place. The novel’s hero, Antonio, a pre-teen
history, and culture. In the later half of the cen- Hispanic boy living in post-World War
tury, a plethora of writers, including Cormac II New Mexico, is given a choice between
McCarthy, N. Scott Momaday, Tony Hillerman, following his family’s rigid religious ways
Robert Bradford and John Nichols claimed New or embracing the supernatural world of
Mexico as their homes. Emerging on the scene Ultima. The issues of poverty, war, religion,
is a new breed of writers, writers not drawn and good and evil dominate the text. Similar
to the Land of Enchantment, but born here. to Baca, Anaya is renowned of plays, short
Rudolfo Anaya, Jimmy Santiago Baca, and Luci stories, and poetry. As an educator, he has published a series of non-fiction works
Topahonso encompass the “New Mexico expe- around his state’s history and culture. Anaya illustrates tales passed down by mul-
rience” in its entirety, and give New Mexico a tiple generations, but his master storytelling skills weave a tapestry unique to any
voice in the future of classic literature. other. His themes transcend time throughout the ages, earning Anaya a position as
In the future, there will be more homegrown a future classic writer.
authors similar to the ones already born here. Luci Topahonso has gained international recognition in the past 20 years as a
Jimmy Santiago Baca is a New Mexican poet. Born on a Navajo reservation, Topahonso learned English as a second lan-
writer of Indio-Mexican descent. In his lifetime, guage. All of her poetry is originally written in her native Diné language for tribal
he has published novels, volumes of poetry, and spiritual purposes, and then translated into English. As a result, her English
short stories and a memoir. His award-win- poetry possesses a unique rhythm. Many of her poems tell stories similar to a bal-
ning memoir, A Place to Stand, parallels that lad. Topahonso’s poetry is accessible and relatable to all ages. She not only writes
of a character of a classic novel. His riveting about the Navajo experience (“Daané’é Diné”) but also every day subjects (“A
tale could easily belong to Holden Caulfield, Birthday Poem”). Topahonso is best known for her anthology Saánii Dahataal or
Tom Sawyer or David Copperfield. He recalls The Women are Singing. This anthology was crucial to Topahonso’s writing career
his early childhood, when raised by his grand- because the poems were published side by side in Dine and English. A few years
mother, before being sent to an orphanage. At subsequent to this anthology, she published Blue Horses Rush In, the poems of
an early age, Baca found himself behind bars in which focus on Navajo daily life. Her voice and tone are similar to those of Maya
a maximum-security prison. Unlike the other Angelou. Her themes are universal and will reach out to readers far into the future.
prisoners, however, prison became a time of These writers’ works will not pass as swiftly as an October wind, nor will they
enlightenment for Baca. Out of this experience gather dust in libraries. When considering literary writers of the past, it becomes
grew an avid love for poetry. In fact, he incor- evident that these three authors possess the mandatory elements required to gain
porates much of the poetry written in jail into status as “classics.” In 100 years, they will be the voice of New Mexico.
the memoir. A Place to Stand soon won the In the next 100 years, perhaps some of the youth of Santa Fe will be the voice of
Pushcart Prize, The American Book Award, New Mexico.
International Hispanic Heritage Award, and the
International Award. His controversial tale and
universal themes include injustice, education,
community, and love, guarantee Baca a place to Charlotte Smart is a junior at Santa Fe Secondary School. You can reach her at charchar@
stand alongside classic writers. cybermesa.com.
BEYOND400 41
AUSTIN TYRA & DASHA WILSON, Generation Next
42 BEYOND400
DAVID SALAZAR, Generation Next
W
exists because people, my generation
hy do I feel like this is a quiz? Why specifically, have no use for the people
can’t I talk to my uncle when he we should value the most.
addresses me in Spanish, the lan- Our elders carry with them knowl-
guage most of my family has grown up speaking? edge of the town that they grew up
In years when I took Spanish at school, I in, that their parents grew up in
spoke it in class, but nowhere else unless in an and that their offspring and their
extreme situation where a smattering of Spanish offspring’s offspring have grown up
and a crude ability to conjugate came in handy. in. They carry with them stories about
Otherwise, I never spoke Spanish. Now that I’m the 400 years that our city has existed;
not taking a Spanish class, my knowledge dissi- stories they learned form their elders.
pates as my brain fills up with calculus deriva- Four hundred years of culture in
tives, Sigmund Freud and federalism. This our city has featured destruction of
simple occurrence, my brain doing away with villages, pueblos and lives. But those
its Spanish as it makes room for everything it 400 years have also seen a new culture
deems more important, is indicative of a bigger take root in the Santa Fe soil and grow
issue that faces the Hispanic culture and stands from the dust that Don Juan de Oñate
as a barrier to one’s ability to bridge generations. rode over in 1610, dust that pueblo
There’s a reason several Native American messengers ran over in 1680 and dust that Don Diego de
tribes have an oral history and a lot of it has to Vargas Zapata Luján Ponce de León y Contreras carried La
do with the thought that one’s elders are wiser Conquistadora over in 1692, with the goal of a bloodless reconquest.
than they are and that the older members of All of the events that have taken place over our city’s 400 years have shaped
society have taken on the burden of educating the culture of our town, and the myths and legends and histories that have passed
the younger ones about their origins. And it from generation to generation have closed the gap between those living in the
can be argued that the biggest thing contribut- here and now and those who are dead and gone. The next 100 should not be
ing to the oral tradition is the language. Native absent of that bridge.
Americans have used their history as a way to In the age of technology, history struggles to stay relevant to my generation,
preserve their language, their culture, and in language struggles to stay relevant to my generation, and those who are some-
so doing have bridged a gap between genera- what long in the tooth struggle to stay relevant, and struggle to convey that they
tions, a gap that only seems to be widening in have significant things to say. They know the old legends of curanderas and
Hispanic culture as the knowledge of the lan- La Llorona. They know what this town looked like before the roads were paved
guage deteriorates. and before a nickel was a useless hunk of metal, but they also know what defines
Now, a language does not an entire culture their culture: language, tradition, food, and a knowledge of a shared history, a his-
make. Because a person doesn’t speak the lan- tory that affects everyone.
guage of his culture doesn’t mean that he can-
not carry on family traditions, but it acts as a
barrier between generations. Speaking Spanish
doesn’t have any affect how good your red chile
tastes, nor does it have any bearing on knowl- David Salazar is a senior at Santa Fe High School. You can reach him at davidjsalazar@
edge of history, but being unable to speak to gmail.com.
BEYOND400 43
EMMA HAMMING-GREEN, Generation Next
Seasons of Change
T
here are some things, like the changing everybody, regardless of economic status. I envision more than this family, but a
of the seasons, that always stay the same. slew of people who in today’s system would avoid seeking medical attention for any
For the entirety of our city’s existence, number of ailments because of the high cost, seeking medical help. In present times,
and for the next hundred years and beyond, many of these people continue to sicken unnecessarily because of the high medical
winter will warm to spring, which will lead to costs. In the future this will not happen. There will be good primary and preventa-
the heat of summer, which will fade into a cool tive care, which means fewer people would be getting sick in the first place.
autumn. My absolute favorite thing about Santa In the future health care is available and accessible to all. With this system, the
Fe is the gorgeous fall we see each year. people of our city will become healthier as a whole. In the future of Santa Fe, as peo-
For a few weeks, Hyde Park becomes a beau- ple celebrate the beautiful autumn by taking a hike, no one will be pondering ways
tiful sea of yellow. Even seen from afar, one can to pay their recent, extravagant hospital bill. Instead, there will be one less burden
tell that it is an amazing sight to behold. During on our shoulders and we will be able to walk without the extra weight.
that time, hundreds of people drive up the
mountain, stopping at various trails or going all
the way up to the ski lift to get a closer look at
the rare spectacle of thousands of yellow, orange
and red leaves decorating Mount Baldy.
For as long as the seasons shift and the aspens
change their colors, people will flock to witness
the magnificent view. A hundred years from
now, imagine a family of four, parents taking
their young girl and boy for a hike on one of
the Hyde Park trails. The children run up and
down the trail, occasionally hiding behind trees,
jumping out at their parents when they stroll by.
This simple pleasure is one of the few this fam-
ily is able to enjoy, as they are of modest means.
The mother and father work part-time, mini-
mum wage jobs, in their free time caring for
their children. The rare hours all four of them
spend together are precious.
When the little boy is running toward his par-
ents, he trips and falls, rolling down the trail
and breaking his ankle. His father lifts him into
his arms and the four of them rush back to their
car, driving straight to the hospital.
What would happen to this family in this sce-
nario, set a hundred years from now? They
would not have to worry about the bill being
too much for them to pay. That is something no
one needs to stress over anymore in 100 years, Emma Hamming-Green is a senior at The Academy for Technology and the Classics. You can
because I see quality health care to be given to reach her at happycamper156@hotmail.com.
44 BEYOND400
MARIELLE DENT, Generation Next
BEYOND400 45
MARZIA DESSI, Generation Next
that day due to the serious issues of global warming. For another, it might trans-
form into a Spanish since we are already well equipped to do so. It might also trans-
form into an English, or it might become what we call Spanglish. Yes, the language
of Santa Fe could become many things.
Placing my opinion into words is difficult to do, for I am a lover of classical nov-
els. Watching the language of Dante, Darwin and Shakespeare die does, to me, not
sound as all such a pleasant thing. If it dies I shall kill myself to save it from perish-
ing for I care for it greatly, however difficult it is to understand. Seeing it transform
into cyber-gibberish is not my dream and I highly doubt my father’s. But he, unlike
I, does not have to gaze in the face of it, for he shall not live to see 150 unless they
succeeded in brain transplant. But then there is as great a chance that the world
might explode or aliens shall invade.
By any means, the language I hope to see within the future is that of Shakespeare –
a language filled with symbolism, filled with the sweet aroma of words which we
take such great pleasure drinking in.
“We all have a different opinion of language,” he says. Yes, indeed we do and I
M
y view of the future was different am willing to stand and defend my opinion on that which the future will be. For I
than his, because he was of the past have beliefs that our language can either transform into cyber-gibberish (which has
while I was of the present. I could its uses) or into the poetical, yet extensively difficult, language of Shakespeare.
see the future because it would be my future
and I was closer to it then he, making my solu- By any means, the language I hope to see WITHIN THE FUTURE
tion the better I thought. After all, who has the is that of SHAKESPEARE – a language filled with symbolism,
right to judge the future better than those of
the future? filled with the SWEET AROMA OF WORDS which we take such great
I smiled. Yes, I would live to be 100. I would
live to see the future of the city of Santa Fe. I
pleasure drinking in.
would live to see the language and its many What judgment have we to make of the future that is a million years away? But
changes. I would live to see the language trans- in the end, a hundred years is but the passing of three generations. If you come
form into the language of that day. Yes, I would across the young people who will be part of those generations, help them, for they
be the one amongst the two of us to see Santa are to determine what the world is like within a hundred years. They are the ones
Fe’s 500th anniversary. This is the future I see: who will bear children and teach them all they will learn. Help them, for the future
The language changes greatly. I do not see us lies in there hands.
speaking the same speech we speak on this day Please help, for I do not wish to stand beside my volumes and weep for their
amongst ourselves. There are many paths the sweet language has died and they are no longer immortal as I thought them to be.
language might take. For one, it might turn into
a speech of the alien races which are soon to pay Marzia Dessi is a sophomore at Espanola Valley High School. You may contact her at
us a visit. For another, we might never live to see azulamarz@rocketmail.com.
46 BEYOND400
TORI VELARDE, Generation Next
Spanish Links
I
t’s October 3, 2110. I’m sitting in Spanish
class, trying to stay focused on the com-
puter giving a lecture in front of me and When I was small, my GRANDMA
not let my mind wander. It’s no use. Today my
mind is somewhere else. I’m 9-years old again,
CECE used to sit down with
and we’re going to visit my great-grandmother me and help me PRACTICE
for her birthday. She lived with my great-
grandfather on the other side of town in a MY SPANISH. It was so
little old house with cracked adobe walls and
real wood on the floors. To be honest, I always
important to her that her
liked their home much more than mine. It family KNEW THE LANGUAGE.
was cluttered and creaky but it had “charac-
ter” like mom used to say. She would justify herself
I remember on the way, watching the sky
by saying that if we DIDN’T
fade from grey to blue, and smiling when
I saw the elm trees and crab grass that had PRESERVE OUR LANGUAGE, we
sprouted out of the ground. The ride there
only took a few minutes, so it wasn’t long were sure to LOSE OUR CULTURE.
before we were walking up the friendly brick
path to great-grandma and grandpa’s front Amalia Sanchez Fiesta Queen, 1927
door. Their doorbell never went off automati-
cally like ours does when someone stops by, was so proud of that picture. I remember how my grandma CeCe rushed to put
but there was a button that had to be pushed in her contacts so she could get a good look at Owen’s masterpiece before she
from the outside. I remember that day I was told him how much she loved it. “This is beautiful, mijito,” she said graciously.
the one who got to ring the bell. When I was small, my Grandma CeCe used to sit down with me and help
When the door opened my great-grandma me practice my Spanish. It was so important to her that her family knew the
CeCe popped out with a big grin on her face. language. She would justify herself by saying that if we didn’t preserve our
“CeCe” — that was my great-grandmother's language, we were sure to lose our culture, and tell us how her mother always
name. It was short for Cecelia, a name that regretted never learning Spanish. At the time, I didn’t understand why it was
sounded old when she was a kid. such a big deal, but she was right.
“Come in, come in!” Grandma CeCe said Sometimes I would spend whole afternoons looking through Grandma CeCe’s
with a laugh as she ushered us all inside. She old photo albums. She had copies of copies of old black-and-white photographs
greeted each one of us with a hug and a small that she loved to pull out and show to us. Supposedly, the people in the pictures
kiss on the cheek, followed by the traditional, were somehow related to me, but I was never able to relate to any of them. My great-
“¿Cómo estás?” grandmother inspired me to find a way to connect to my family’s past, and for
I remember the first thing my little brother me, Spanish has become a way of doing just that. Spanish helps me to understand
did was shove the picture he printed out right where I came from. Living in Santa Fe, going to Fiestas, baking biscochitos —
in front of great-grandma CeCe’s face. He it’s not enough. Maybe it's just me, but when I order an enchilada, I want to pro-
printed it special for her birthday that morn- nounce it right.
ing, and hadn’t let it out of his sight since. He Tori Velarde is a senior at Santa Fe High School. You can reach her at tori@velardenm.com .
BEYOND400 47
VAUGHN FORTIER-SHULTZ, Generation Next
Santa Fe’s
Health Conscious Future
“The present is a result of the past,” a teacher of mine
told me once. He was correct.
L
iving in times as prosperous as these highly in favor of those on foot
raises questions as to how a utopia like that the people who continued
Santa Fe, the one I call home, was cre- to drive cars felt guilty because
ated; and, as is often the case, the past was not of the fossil fuel they burned
as pretty as the present. and became aware that their cars
I don’t know when exactly the trend of being seemed to mock the bikers and
overweight began, but about a hundred years joggers. That is how it came to
ago, in the first quarter of the 21st century, it be that non-commercial vehicles were rendered entirely obsolete.
reached its terrifying peak. In Santa Fe, over 90 I’ve never tasted “fast food.” I grew up without it, and no one is old enough
percent of the population was so overweight to remember the days when it was popular. From what I’ve learned, people really
that the city health administrators decided to liked it once, but once the cars were gone, the primary method of obtaining “fast
raise the standard for obesity to accommodate food,” through “drive-through” lanes, disappeared as well. How could you drive
them. Even those who loved overeating the through a “drive-through” lane if you aren’t driving? Now that the people of Santa
most realized that the way things were going, Fe were walking, they didn’t even have time for “fast food” anymore; they had to
heart attacks would soon be the only natural plan their days differently and wound up making most of their own meals, or set-
cause of death. ting aside plenty of time to eat at a real restaurant. “Fast food” locations closed one
Concern spread through the city rapidly after the other until none were left.
as hospitals and doctor’s offices became full Around then, the collective cholesterol had noticeably gone down. The obe-
beyond capacity with patients whose health sity epidemic, as it is now called, was over. People didn’t stop there though. Now
problems stemmed from their weight. The that they had gotten healthy, they wanted to stay that way. Smoking was banned in
motivation to change their habits didn’t come Santa Fe, and nobody put up a fight. They were glad to see cigarettes go. The air was
naturally to many, but others had more inclina- crisper without acrid smoke permeating it and the streets were cleaner without dis-
tion to get in shape; they began taking strolls carded taco wrappers and greasy paper bags blowing in the wind. Parks were well
around their neighborhoods and exercising, taken care of because nearly all residents visited them frequently. Santa Feans felt
and a few stopped driving altogether in favor of healthier, and the city reflected that in each flower and every blade of grass.
walking or biking to school or to work. Planting trees became a hobby for many, and gardening as a way of life became
The precedent of actually working to popular. The families that grew enough food to feed themselves often ended up with
become healthy again was enough to inspire enough food to share with those less fortunate than themselves, so the community
countless others, set on changing their life- as a whole thrived. I’ve never tasted meat since it has to be brought in from outside
styles to better suit themselves and their fami- the city. I’m very happy eating the vegetables my family grows in the backyard.
lies and friends. The number of cars on the When I look outside my house, I see neighbors and strangers walking past,
streets decreased day by day, and eventually the smiling, whistling, some singing along with the many birds which now brighten
city had to construct sidewalks on top of exist- the sky with their colorful feathers. After a violent period, Santa Fe is truly peace-
ing streets because the people on foot greatly ful. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
outnumbered the people in vehicles. The ratio Vaughn Fortier-Shultz is a junior at Santa Fe High School next year. You can reach him at
between pedestrians and motorists became so moosemanxl@gmail.com.
48 BEYOND400
YUJIE DING, Generation Next
Yujie Ding is a student at Santa Fe High School. You can reach him at gnrocks2846@gmail.com.
©Kim Kurian
BEYOND400 49
The generous support of the following businesses and individuals is greatly appreciated.
Hotel Santa Fe Christus St. Vincent’s Martin Aguilar Mayor
Courtyard by Marriott Hilton Hotel Stuart Ashman David Coss
La Fonda PNM Adrian Bustamante
The Lodge Whole Foods Charles Carrillo Santa Fe City Council
St. Francis Hotel National Distributing Pawan Dhinsda District 1
Plaza Real Michael Trujillo Ventures Rudy Fernandez Councilor Patti Bushee
Las Palomas Southwest Asset Management José Garcia Councilor Chris Calvert
Inn on the Paseo Southwest Seminars Gerald Gonzales District 2
Bishop’s Lodge Dr. Gregory and Angie Schaaf Jennifer Hobson Councilor Rosemary Romero
Maurice and Diana Bonal Chief Barbara Salas Jeff Jinnett Councilor Rebecca Wurzburger
Gerald and Katie Peters Santa Fe Fire Department Herman Lovato District 3
Rancho de San Juan Barbara Lopez Eric Lujan Councilor Miguel Chavez
Wells Fargo Bank City of SF Parks Leslie Lujan Councilor Carmichael Dominguez
1st National Bank and Rec Division Paul Margetson District 4
Century Bank Albert “Gabby” Montoya Councilor Matthew E. Ortiz
First Community Bank Santa Fe 400th Anniversary Peter Pacheco Councilor Ronald S. Trujillo
Los Alamos National Bank Board Members: Andres Romero
Kardas, Abeyta and Weiner PC Maruice Bonal, President Gilbert Romero City Manager
Santa Fe New Mexican Tony Lopez, Vice President Connie Tsosie Gaussoin Robert Romero
Encantado Jessica C de Baca, Treasurer City Liaison
Darlene Griego
www.SantaFe400th.com
Phone: (505) 986-1610
50 BEYOND400