Airdate: Thursday, October 23 2003

By: Governor Stuart Paisano

My name is Stuart Paisano, and I am the Governor of the Pueblo of Sandia.

On a recent edition of Native America Calling, a nationally syndicated radio program aired on KUNM, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez stated that the Pueblos—and specifically Sandia Pueblo--support the extension of Paseo del Norte Boulevard through the Petroglyph National Monument.

The Mayor’s comments were incorrect and misleading and on behalf of the people of Sandia Pueblo and neighboring Native American communities, I would like to set the record straight. The Pueblo of Sandia has never supported the extension of Paseo del Norte through the Petroglyphs, and we never will.

In fact, the Pueblo of Sandia is on record opposing any new roads through Petroglyph National Monument. In 1988, the Pueblo of Sandia supported legislation to create the Monument in order to protect the area for continued religious uses and to educate all visitors about out history and culture. We never considered these goals consistent with further road building and over development. Again in 1994, in response to a proposed General Management Plan for the Monument, the leadership of our Pueblo wrote to the National Park Service to reiterate these religious and cultural goals

and oppose further road building.

Mayor Chavez also stated that not a single Petroglyph would be impacted by the Paseo del Norte extension. This is misleading and demonstrates a lack of appreciation and understanding of the importance of the area to all Native American people. The area is sacred and culturally significant to many local and regional tribes. A commuter highway would desecrate this sacred place.

The city of Albuquerque and the Pueblos that surround it are inextricably bound together on so many issues including water, economic development and growth. We will either thrive together in cooperation, or we will face difficulties if we do not respect each other. The Pueblos that surround Albuquerque are sovereign governments that must be respected, just as we try to respect the rights and jurisdiction of other governmental entities such

as local, state and federal governments.

Albuquerque and the surrounding region are beautiful places that attract people from all around the world. They come to experience our area’s natural scenic landscapes and to appreciate the unique cultures and history that have contributed to the rich and diverse fabric that is New Mexico.

We must act in a way that respects the culture and history of all peoples.

The Petroglyphs are an important and sensitive cultural treasure for Native American people and for our entire region. We remain opposed to any commuter highway through the Petroglyphs. We respectfully request that the city of Albuquerque, the state of New Mexico and the Government of the United States respect our rights and our wishes.

On behalf of the Pueblo of Sandia, I hope that I have corrected the record. We have never supported the Paseo Extension, and we never will.