""Ammu Hanu,” she starts by speaking, with sorrow as old as war, “warriors, women and children were massacred and died here.”

Eighty-year-old Lolita Pena Christobal of Santa Ana Pueblo (Tamaya) is speaking of atrocities committed by the conquistador, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1540.

Lolita’s knowledge comes from oral history passed down from her father, Manuel Pena, who served as cacique in 1920. The term cacique is Spanish, meaning Indian chief in the West Indies and Latin America.

Lolita is my mother. She holds a highly respected position in today’s male dominated pueblo society.

Lolita continues, “Many of our men uphold the Spanish mindset, especially when it comes to having control or power over women.

“Ideally, there was no selfishness, only generosity. It wasn’t about how much I could get for myself, rather, it was about how much I can give to the people.”

Because of her remarkable accomplishments, the Tamaya people have remained strong in identity and spiritual beliefs. Most importantly, the Keres native language continues to be spoken.

Today, the 19 indigenous pueblos remain intact to tell their view of this horrific destruction of life. It must be acknowledged, our voices must be heard."

Get the Story:
Manuel Cristobal: Amid celebration, remember pueblo survival (Indian Country Today 10/15)