March Gives Homage To Petroglyphs: : NM IMC

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."