13 Responses to “Episode 204 – The Last Conquistador”

1. Auncy Says:
   July 25th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

   John Houser, the artist who created the colossal Onate statue, proudly stated that he has spend much of his adult life living among Native Americans, and listed numerous tribes he has lived among or known: Cherokee of NC, Papago, Apache, Ashwar in Ecuador, etc. He perpetuates a myth that to know one Native American is to know them all. Native people are commonly grouped together with no recognition that each tribe is a sovereign entity. Native American peoples are distinct groups, each with their own history, and just because perhaps Mr. Houser’s Cherokee friends don’t have a problem with an Onate statue does not mean that Houser understands or can justify Native historical perspectives. He grossly neglected to study the people impacted by his subject, Onate, and to become aware of the cultural and moral implications.

2. Luis Magno Says:
   July 27th, 2008 at 9:52 am

   The absence of a Spanish American perspective on the July 25, 2008 New-Mexico-in-Focus panel discussion is key to understanding what this contrived and false controversy over the Oñate Statue is, in reality, all about.

   The genesis of this contrived and false controversy over the Oñate Statue remains unacknowledged, unaddressed, and unquestioned as does the genocidal intention behind the genesis of this contrived and false controversy.

   The object of vilification, the living Spanish American descendants of the Spanish and Spanish American discoverers, explorers and first European settlers of what is today the American Southwest were not represented on the panel.

   How could this happen? Was it intentional or was it an oversight? Neither intent nor oversight are acceptable explanations.

   I emphatically call on New Mexico in Focus to correct this grievous omission.

3. Tom Says:
   July 27th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

   We enjoy your KNME program almost every Friday evening for its forthright discussion of so many important NM issues. To choose from everything possible and handle as much as you do in as little time as The Line “owns” is impressive and personally appreciated.

   I also enjoyed reading Mr. Grant’s recent column on Onate, and I greatly enjoyed your KNME program this evening on that subject. I am very pleased and proud to have created the Tricentennial History and Cultural timeline that is mounted in the east wing of the Convention Center. One significant challenge of that two-year project was dealing with and handling the issues surrounding Onate.

   Initially I received a lot of pressure from the Hispanic representatives on the Tricentennial History Task Force because of my initial rather simplistic description of Onate and the historical context. This led me to look deeper and ask for support in more fully exploring and explaining what happened from Onate’s march north up to the Pueblo Revolt/St. Lawrence Day Massacre. We quickly decided to portray both (quite different) sides of this story. That decision definitely helped to get a handle on it.

   I am indebted to Dr. Joseph P. Sanchez, Superintendent of the Spanish Colonial Research Center for ultimately “languaging” the period and events on the Timeline. This resulted in a letter from the Hispanic Culture Preservation League expressing appreciation for creating a “historical timeline that is very inclusive and does not denigrate or villainize.”

   In light of the thoughts raised in your program this evening, I hope you find this interesting.

   Best regards,

   Tom Miles
   Albuquerque

4. Patryka Chaves Says:
   July 27th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

   One-sided commentary is not a discussion in good faith. Where was the fairness in the presentation of this program? I am sure that educated viewers quickly identified the bias with which this program was produced. Why was no one invited to the “discussion” who represented Spanish American views?

   Mr. Chino stated that those who propagate genocide should not be glorified. Why was a statue “glorifying” Popay erected in our nation’s capitol in Statuary Hall? Does anyone remember the genocide of the Spanish settlers including innocent woman, children and frays, that Popay lead? Why a foot race honoring Popay? He was such a despot that the Pueblos overthrew him and invited the Spanish to return to New Mexico.

   How sad that a talented artist such as Mr. Houser has been a victim in all this. His Equestrian is awesome. That a few Native American activist with an agenda of stirring up racial conflicts between the peoples of New Mexico could actually demand that the City of El Paso tear this incredible artwork down is mind-boggling. What will their next demand be? Destroy Plymouth Rock because that’s were the Pilgrims, who were known to have killed Native Americans on the East Coast, landed? What about the Washington Monument? George Washington fought in the French and Indians Wars before the Revolutionary War.

   I ask that the other side of the “discussion” be considered in the future. Fairness and honesty are not too much to ask.

   Patryka Chaves
   Sandia Park, New Mexico

5. OD Says:
   July 28th, 2008 at 12:03 pm

   New Mexico state historian Dr. Estevan Rael-Gàlvez tells us that New Mexican Spanish Americans do not exist.
   -“Mythology of who New Mexicans were based on a Spanish heritage fantasy–
   Gàlvez ignores genealogical evidence like mine that shows a clear Spanish dependency.
   Gàlvez does a disservice to the New Mexican people he serves when he lies about Don Juan de Oñate’s historical record. Gàlvez lies when he states, “He did not bring laws”,” He leaves in chains” and Gàlvez lies when he states “following his expulsion from New Mexico”. Gàlvez uses George P. Hammond to show his side only. Does he think no one else has read Hammond?

   -APRIL 7, 1609 instrutions of King Philip II
   DON Philip by the grace of God, king of Castile : Whereas I have appointed Don Pedro de Peralta as governor and captain general of the provinces of New Mexico in place of Don Juan de Onate, who has resigned, and have commanded Don Juan de Onate to return to the city of Mexico within three months from the date of notification to discuss the reward for his services and other matters that he may deem desirable, and we expect that he will come,
   Governor Peralta shall observe in every respect the instructions for the exercise of his office and anything else that his Excellency may command, not permitting any person whatever to leave the provinces until his majesty has replied to the consulta except those persons who may be absolutely necessary for the protection and security of Don Juan de Onate on his way back, and these shall go by special permission of Governor Don Pedro de Peralta. This escort shall not include those who hold encomiendas, those who are paid or aided from the royal treasury, or any others who, in the opinion of the governor, should not leave. Should any leave without permission, they shall be considered as deserters from the army and shall be punished as such.

   DON JUAN DE OÑATE COLONIZER OF NEW MEXICO 1595-1628 George P. Hammond UNM Press 1953, pages 1092, 1102

   State historian Dr. Estevan Rael-Gàlvez states “history is a contest of stories”. Does Galvez believe his untruthful stories should supplant recorded historical documents?

6. C. Martinez Says:
   July 29th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

   As a Spanish New Mexican, it truly pains my heart to see the basic facts of the founding of this Kingdom manipulated. As I watched this pitiful attempt at an open discussion, I wondered if this was being held at Acoma, since there was no opposition to refute the comments of the guests. The brash nature in which this opera was held only points to the lack of evidence by any of the speakers offered. The use of our “state historian”, who opened by apologizing for contrived non-factual comments from Mr. Chino, only set the tone for this farce. Yet most of the panel and audience still use Spanish surnames, titles, and validation. Never mind the basis of the argument by Acoma is the use of force by the Spanish hundreds of years ago. This only over looks the vicious attack on the Spanish that originated the retaliation on Acoma. These were not peaceful potters and farmers as they would like everyone to believe. This was a secluded community who constantly raided and ambushed the other local pueblos.
   Contrary to popular belief, the Spanish led the world in establishing the first laws to protect not only the indians citizens of the Spanish empire but their property, lands, and lives. The Spanish purpose was not genocide, rather the opposite. From royal decree by Queen Isabel after Columbus returned to Spain, all people of the new world were to be welcomed into the Christian empire as brothers. They were to be educated, protected, and assist in the development of the Spanish crown. Many people today still confuse the rhetoric of the English and Americans of the 18th and 19th century with the Spanish. Yet it is the Spanish who should be thanked by the indians of the southwest. It was because of the work of the Padres, bandeleros, comancheros, traders, farmers, and ranchers who tried to include the indians in the Spanish way of life. Yet it is still these rebels who condemn, who shun, who bicker, and are still unwilling to co-operate with society amid their own petty bias and loathing. For the last 150 years we have been told our history by the Anglos and now we must apologize as we are told our history by indians.
   I think the statue is a perfect example of the presence of Hispanos in America. We are bold and daring. Formidable and proud. Faithful and humble. Yet even in our glory we are chastised, criticized, and over-looked. The Hispanos of NM are an underground aquifer. Ignored and unknown, all the while, feeding the Rio Grande valley passion and courage. It is sad to see such a beautiful work of art demeaned and its creator attacked. Coincidence, I think not.

7. OD Says:
   July 29th, 2008 at 10:20 pm

   POV
   Why does Galvez want to hide and erase my Spanish American identity & culture that started with Don Juan de Oñate’s settlement in 1598 and is as dynamic now as it was then?

   “In the early 20th century where this mythology was developed around who New Mexicans were-Spanish heritage fantasy”

   This nonsense comes from Indio-Mexican scholars like Elizabeth Archuleta and Laura E. Gómez
   http://nmhcpl.org/OPINION.html

8. SD Says:
   August 1st, 2008 at 10:14 am

   There were atrocities committed by Onate, and these should never be glossed over. But, these acts pale by comparison with what happened to the once-great Native Nations throughout the rest of the U.S. Where are the Native demonstrators, and Native people speaking out in the Eastern U.S.? There aren’t any, because the vast Native Nations of the British and American colonies were systematically exterminated or relocated, under a national war of elimination that lasted into the 20th the century – far more recent than Onate’s era. Americans may feel a need to absolve themselves of their own history, by pointing accustatively to New Mexico’s past, and focusing their investigative cameras at Spain’s colonial history. If American documentary makers really want to find the truth, they don’t need a camera, they need a mirror.

9. Dr. Vato de S.F. Says:
   August 1st, 2008 at 7:30 pm

   My impressions:

   1. The PBS POV program was generally OK and almost, not quite, balanced (it was somewhat short on Native American input – too few Native Americans included and no Native American historians – Ms. Dunbar-Ortiz is not).

   2. The comments by Conchita Lucero of NMHCPL included unas palabras de verguenza: “….get over it..” Onate, and particularly the Zaldivar family under his command, did commit atrocities, massacre, and engaged in local genocide rooted in racism – we should NEVER “get over” Hitler, Bataan Death March, Trail of Tears, Long Walk or Onate’s troops at Acoma.

   3. The KNME “NM in Focus” (NMIF) program was more interesting to me. The panel, which included two Native Americans (including the one from Acoma, who had appeared in the POV program) and three Mestizos (there aren’t any Spaniards in NM anymore after 15+ generations – most of those/us are Mestizos; AND NM local cuisine and music is NOT “Spanish”, it IS Mexican Norteno; AND Onate himself was Mexican Mestizo, having had an Aztec antecedent); that panel was unanimous in disavowal of what Onate represents.
   Panelist Prof. Montoya offered a sincere apology for her ancestor’s contribution to oppression and genocide of local indigenous people in the past and I commend and applaud her for that; confession/acknowledgement is the first step towards restoration.
   The artist, John Hauser, made lengthy comments on the NMIF program, and he seemed very sincere but naive.

   4. A separate panel was included in the second half of the KNME NMIF program; that panel included well-known Native American (Apache) artist Bob Haozous who made some interesting comments: “…[Onate statue] is an example of mass ignorance”; “….this artwork is offensive…”; Haozous suggested leaving the El Paso Onate statue and erecting another nearby of equal scale and grandeur representing the “other [Native American] side”.
   I’d propose making a huge enlargement of the foot cut off of the Alcalde NM Onate statue with large plaques depicting the amputation of the feet of young Acoma males AND the slaughter of Acoma women and children – but let the people of Acoma decide.

   In Mexico, Onate’s country of birth and origin, you will find few if any statues of Cortes, and very few of any Spaniard. I’d also suggest a read of Prof. Ramon Gutierrez, Univ. of Calif. San Diego, book “When Jesus Came The Corn Mother Went Away”, Stanford Univ. Press for a more thorough treatment of early Spanish abuse, atrocities and general misbehavior.

   The early Euro-Mestizo settlers of NM were people (most came hunting fortune and/or title) and like any other humans were a mixture of good and bad – but let us not delude ourselves into over-glorifying all of them without recognizing both positive deeds and contributions, as well as misdeeds and misbehavior.

10. Luis Magno Says:
    August 1st, 2008 at 8:21 pm

    “The Last Conquistador” by Mexican-American mestizo John Valadez is a powerful piece of reverse-racist hate-filled propaganda funded and sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Public Broadcasting Corporation (PBS), KNME TV Channel #5 and others.

    The only time that mestizos, Indians and Anglo-Saxons view Spanish Americans as “white” is when they are vilifying their Spanish American ancestors — the discoverers, explorers and first European settlers of the Great American Southwest — as genocidal and murderous racists.

    A constitutional solution is required for this multi-cultural, politically-correct, mainstream, racist criminality. It is the only possible way of opposing the raging venom of this reverse-racist, mainstream, Black Legend, Tree-of-Hate propaganda.

    A revolutionary European-American cultural renaissance is the long-term option.

11. Henry Parra, Sr. Says:
    August 1st, 2008 at 9:22 pm

    Nuebo Mexico (using an old spelling) is great treasure, a place of much beauty, the land, its people, its rich cultural diversity that endures, as it should, to this day. In my younger days, I lived, worked and traveled in the land known as Cibola. I am honored and humbled by the wonderful opportunities I have had to meeting and befriending many people of Acoma, Laguna, as well as in the Navajo Nation and those Hispanos, some who were drawn to the uranium mining industry, who often came from the tiny hamlets found throughout Northern New Mexico.

    The Onate Expedition arrived at the Rio Grande passing by what would become El Paso Del Norte. Jose Cisneros a Mexican El Paso artist Illustrated several versions of what is called “The First Thanksgiving” (April 30, 1598) which was held with the food generously provided by the Pueblo Indians there. In Mr. Cisnero’s art it is not easy to identify just who the man called Onate actually is/was, with both Pueblos and the Spanish shown enjoying the feast. This is truly what was the most important moment or historical event, a meeting of peoples and the humanitarianism shown by the Pueblos. I am sorry that this is not what has been commemorated.

    Henry Parra

12. OD Says:
    August 2nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm

    The coming of the Spanish to settle la Nueva Méjico is what is being commemorated anti-Spanish Propaganda is what the film is about.

    canto XIV p. 129
    While we were about our task, we came upon a camp of Indians. We had no firearms, but approached them nevertheless. They proved friendly, and we had no trouble in persuading four of them to accompany us.
    When we arrived at camp, the governor had the savages clothed, and loading them with gifts, sent them to their people. The natives were delighted, and soon returned with a great number of their friends bringing us great quantities of fish.
    The governor then ordered a large chapel built under a grove of shady trees. Here the priests celebrated a solemn high Mass,

    They had not yet come to the Pueblos these people were hunter-gatherers, the Spanish riflemen furnished the foul (ducks and turkeys?) Don Juan de Oñate gave a prayer after the Act of Possession.

    canto XIV p.135
    ” 0, holy cross, divine gate of heaven and altar of the only and essential sacrifice of the blood and body of the Son of God, pathway of saints and emblem of their glory, open the gates of heaven to these infidels. Found churches and altars where the body and blood of the Son of God may be offered in sacrifice; open to us a way of peace and safety for their conversion, and give to our king and to me in his royal name, the peaceful possession of these kingdoms and provinces Amen.”
    A HISTORY OF NEW MEXICO Gaspar Perez de Villagra Alcala-1610 translated by Gilberto Espinosa the Rio Grande Press Inc.1933

13. Henry Parra, Sr. Says:
    August 4th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    For shame! The Spanish whom called the Acomas and other pueblos heathens and savages but who was truly more savage, practically decimating an entire people, killing 800 Acomas, enslaved 500 all in turn for the Acomas killing 15. The Spaniards had come demanding and expecting to be fed, even if it would cause hardship, even death for the Pueblos. It happened repeatedly.

    I see one has chosen passage 15 of Villagra’s cantos. Yes,in the name of Lord the Spanish had already had much practice murdering many, many thousands, of Sephardim beginning in the 1300′s. Then, they would honor one of the most responsible for inciting the Spanish Catholics to rise against and taking thousands of innocent lives, simply for their being of a different religion, having him canonized to become a saint!

    Onate was not content with the large scale massacre they had already inflicted, with superior weaponry, until he had the feet cut off 80 Acoma men. I have never read or learned how many might even have survived and suffered their becoming a cojo (cripple). Yes, who was the savage? Surely, he (Onate) must have done it in the name of the Lord.

    In Spain The Law of Religious Freedom of 1980 implements the constitutional provision for freedom of religion. Similar laws were passed in the past, only to be thrown out.

    I guess it can be said, that it has taken many hundreds of years for the Spanish, to recognize that one is not a heathen when one has different beliefs or worships differently, as his culture, parents and ancestors have always done.

    The Acomas, Lagunas and other Pueblos have and show the greatest honor and respect for their elders and their ancestors. They have a sad tragedy to tell. It is not forgotten and shall never be forgotten. To this day a passageway is provided for the spirits of those who were taken and never bodily returned. They speak the truth.

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