Northern New Mexico College Hosts Historias de Nuevo México – Histories of New Mexico Conference

From a Northern New Mexico College press release...

Northern New Mexico College hosted more than 125 conference attendees and presenters at the historic El Rito campus on October 12 and 13. The Historias de Nuevo México–Histories of New Mexico was sponsored by Northern, the Office of Diversity and Equity, the Northern Pueblos Institute, and Espejo Community History Organization. The conference highlighted presentations from distinct, yet overlapping, linguistic cultures that engaged a myriad of perspectives shaping New Mexico history. Dr. Nancy “Rusty” Barceló welcomed the conference in the spirit of Northern being committed to drawing upon the diversity and talents of local communities. She shared Northern’s new mission statement as a “Hispanic and Indigenous Serving Institution dedicated to the student achievement and advancement of our community.”

The keynote address was given by Joseph Sanchez, superintendent of the Petroglyph National Monument and the Spanish Colonial Research Center and author of numerous books. The conference plenary sessions focused on Contesting, Celebrating and Cultivating Homelands. Included in sessions were community scholars such as New Mexico Centennial Poet Levi Romero, Community Historian Estevan Arellano and University of Wisconsin Assistant Professor, Patricia Norby who discussed the history of O’Keeffe Country. In addition, Corrine Sanchez, from Tewa Women United, Paula Garcia, Executive Director of the Acequia Association and Dr. Myla Vicenti Carpio, Arizona State University presented on the histories and practices of cultivating communities. In addition, numerous community members, faculty and students presented research and projects on New Mexico’s diverse cultures and histories.

The conference coincided with the El Rito Studio Arts Tour and lunch included a special appearance by New Mexico’s treasured musician Antonia Apodaca. The Steering Committee is in the process of publishing conference proceedings and announced plans for hosting the Historias conference every eighteen months. For more information call the American Indian Center at 505-747-5405.