The All Pueblo Indian Celebration Day at Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (YDSP) on November 17, 2009, signified a momentous spiritual and historical event for YDSP and all Rio Grande pueblos when they came together for the first time in over 400 years to pledge to work in harmony and strengthen cultural preservation, sovereignty and self-determination.  In observance of the YDSP’s inauguration into the All Indian Pueblo Council (AIPC), the YDSP hosted the celebration which was part of a three-day visit of all pueblos convening to hold their quarterly meetings.  Together with YDSP, the pueblos gathered to discuss restoring, reconnecting and strengthening inter-pueblo relations.  

 “It is indeed a beginning of a very historical moment for Pueblo people, “Estela Gomez, tribal member said, “This day will be one of many stories to be told to our people and will be passed on to future generations.” The AIPC advocates for cultural preservation, traditions as well as modern day political, economic, education, health and governance needs.  Although the pueblos have worked collaboratively throughout history to address the needs of pueblo people, the AIPC formally adopted a constitution and bylaws in 1965. Today AIPC honors our past and strengthens our future.

Frank Paiz, YDSP’s Governor, requested AIPC membership in January 2009 appealing for equal consideration and representation. On August 21, 2009, the AIPC voted to instate YDSP.  With YDSP’s membership, the AIPC is now comprised of the 20 Pueblos of New Mexico and Texas, including Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Sandia, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Ysleta del Sur, Zia and Zuni.  Combined they are the collective voice of all pueblos. 

The YDPS’s story is one of extreme hardship met with diligent preservation of culture and triumph.  “At last, the Pueblo of Ysleta del Sur has completed the journey home and connected with our past and ancestry,” Governor Paiz expressed, “Together we are building a pathway of hope through friendship, kinship and trust.  The All Pueblo Indian Celebration Day was a special gathering to give thanks, observe and celebrate.”

The agenda items for the event included the following:

November 16, 2009
·         Traditional Opening Prayer conducted by Javier Lorea
·         YDSP’s Governor’s Greeting
·         Induction of YDSP into AIPC (Reading of Letter to AIPC petitioning YDSP’s   acceptance to the AIPC
·         AIPC Address by Gregory Ortiz, Vice Chairman of AIPC and Lt. Governor of the Pueblo of Acoma
·         Prayers and Words by Guest Speakers
·         YDSP Social Dances
·         Traditional Meal
·         Gifts from YDSP to AIPC Governors

 November 17, 2009

All Indian Pueblo Council Quarterly Meeting

November 18, 2009

Southern Pueblo Council Quarterly Meeting

Photos from the social celebration are highlighted below.

Special thanks to Joe and Irma Sierra for their leadership in preparing our Traditional Feast

Additional Thanks to our Elders for their assistance with the Feast preparations

Tigua community members

Dora Beltran and family morning of the social dances

Tigua youth social dancers

Tigua youth social dancers