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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE PUEBLO OF LAGUNA FEAST DAYS
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HON. DEBRA A. HAALAND
of new mexico
in the house of representatives
Monday, October 21, 2019
Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Pueblo of
Laguna for hosting annual Village Feast Days. I speak in honor of the
Pueblo of Laguna, our tribal members and traditions. With Laguna
Village's Saint Joseph Feast Day, celebrated on the 19th day of March
and September. With Seam Village's Feast Day celebrated on July 26th.
With Mesita Village's Feast Day celebrated on August 15th. With Encinal
Village's Feast Day celebrated on September 8th. With Paguate Village's
Feast Day celebrated on September 25th. With Paraje Village's Feast Day
celebrated on October 17th. Laguna Pueblo has six distinct villages,
and they each celebrate respective feast days; expect for the September
Saint Joseph's Feast day where all villages celebrate together.
Pueblo Feast Days commemorate the Catholic Saints that were given to
each New Mexico pueblo when the Franciscan Priests descended upon the
Pueblos beginning in the late 1500s. The Pueblo of Laguna feast is
among the largest of Pueblo feast days in the Southwestern United
States where thousands of people travel across New Mexico and the
United States to attend. The Pueblo is located approximately forty
miles west of Albuquerque.
The ancestors of the Pueblo of Laguna have occupied the region since
at least 1300 A.D. When the Pueblo Indians migrated to the Rio Grande
Valley from places such as Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde and Bears Eats.
Laguna is Spanish for ``lago'' or ``lake'' which is in reference to a
small lake that was once located within the Pueblo. The Keres language
is the Indigenous language that members of Laguna speak.
The Pueblo of Laguna feast days are times for members of the Pueblo
of Laguna to celebrate our culture, heritage, art and traditions by
members gathering on the pueblo village plaza for traditions by members
gathering on the pueblo village plaza for traditional dances and
opening our homes to visitors to share in traditional food. Feast days
are open to the public, where visitors are given the opportunity to
understand the Laguna peoples' traditions by observing ceremonial
dances, cultural activities and purchasing arts and crafts.
The importance of understanding all native cultures cannot be
understated. Diverse cultural understanding is in furtherance of a
better-informed people and nation. Knowledge of Native American culture
tears down racial and cultural barriers and promotes an inclusive
society. An inclusive society is necessary to national progress and the
prosperity of the people of the United States. Inclusion allows people
to come together in support of each other, promoting the well being of
all people regardless of cultural and racial background.
Madam Speaker, today I request to honor the Pueblo of Laguna for
hosting their annual Feast Days which are essential to the future of
our community and the overall strength and resilience of all Native
American people. I thank and honor the Pueblo of Laguna for their hard
work and dedication to protecting their culture and traditions, which
will stand for generations to come.
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