[IMC-US] from NM IMC: March Gives Homage To Petroglyphs

[Jerome Chavez]

Here's something happening in New Mexico that would be
of interest to everyone else.

Jerome



New Mexico IMC

Original article is at
http://newmexico.staughton.indypgh.org/news/2005/11/1133.php
.

March Gives Homage To Petroglyphs:
by Jerome Chavez Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005 at 5:08 PM

    Sacred Land Threatened by Sprawl Development The
decade-long fight to prevent a six-lane highway
through the Petroglyph National Monument, home to
thousands of ancient petroglyphs, may be coming to a
new stage of struggle, as supporters march to pay
homage to this sacred site.

March Gives Homage T...
paseo2.jpg, image/jpeg, 296x243

by Jerome Chavez


Sunday, November 20, 2005

Albuquerque - A march and rally organized by the SAGE
Council and other allies had an impressive turnout
today, with about 500 people showing up to march for
the Petroglyph National Monument against the extension
of Paseo Del Norte through the monument, a decade-long
struggle that may come to an end just as the city
begins plans to pave through the monument. Considered
sacred land by Native Americans, the Paseo road
extension has been opposed by the All-Indian Pueblo
Council, representing all New Mexico Pueblo
governments, and other Native governments and
organizations and their allies.

Titled "A March to Give Homage to the Petroglyphs,"
the organizers of the march stated:

"We’ve arrived at a point in our struggle to protect
the Petroglyphs where we must now give this fight back
to the Holy Creator and Holy People. They will decide
how the Paseo Del Norte road through this sacred place
will ultimately affect the universe and humanity. We
ask you to join us as we March and Give Homage to the
Petroglyphs."

The participants of the march included many Native
Americans and non-native allies. It was organized by
the Sage Council and endorsed by about 30 separate
organizations.

The march took place on the Westside of Albuquerque,
ending at the site where the proposed Paseo Del Norte
extension will happen. The mood of the crowd was
enthusiastic, and there were many spiritual themes in
speeches and dancing that were part of the whole
rally. Residents living alongside the march route came
out to observe, some even cheering the march on.

Once the march got to its end point at the Monument,
many speakers spoke to the crowd. They included Conroy
Chino, a former news anchor and activist from Acoma
Pueblo. Winona Laduke, nationally known Native
American activist and former Green Party vice
presidential candidate, was also present to show
support for this cause. Other speakers brought up
issues of other fights for sacred sites around the
country, including the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge.

The crowd in the march was spirited and peaceful, with
dancing and drumming accompanying the people. The tone
was summed up by one of the Native elders who spoke at
the end, who said to the effect that it didn't matter
if the road went through the sacred land, for the
road, like anything made by man, was only temporary,
and the land would still be there.

As stated by Laurie Weahkee, a lead organizer with the
SAGE council, said in an online statement, "As
Albuquerque continues to promote its diversity, its
environmental beauty and its Native American culture
to the outside world, we know that within the city, a
fierce debate still rages about how we grow and how we
treat one another with respect, regardless of your
race, where you live or whether you make campaign
contributions. That debate will continue on as the
Paseo debate comes to an end."

newmexico.staughton.indypgh.org/news/2005/11/1084.php




	
		
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