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[Page S2647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING PETER M. PINO
Mr. HEINRICH. Madam President, it is an honor to recognize the
enormously impactful life of Governor Peter M. Pino. The Pueblo of Zia,
and New Mexico as a whole, have lost one of our greatest leaders.
Peter M. Pino devoted his entire life to serving the people of the
Pueblo of Zia. For more than four decades, he served the Pueblo of Zia
as Governor, War Chief, Tribal council member, Tribal administrator,
and treasurer. He was also a traditional spiritual leader and held a
lifetime appointment as one of the Pueblo's Keeper of Songs. As a
traditional artist, Governor Pino employed techniques passed down to
him by his Puebloan ancestors to craft works in rock, tan deer hides,
and make moccasins, bows, arrows, digging sticks, rabbit sticks, and
bone tools.
He also played an instrumental role in the Pueblo's ongoing effort to
repatriate and protect a treasured part of Zia's heritage and cultural
property, its sacred sun symbol. Almost a century after the State of
New Mexico appropriated this sacred symbol on its flag, Pino helped
lead the Pueblo's actions to seek compensation, public education and
engagement, and permission for commercial uses. Thanks to this work,
Eastern New Mexico University changed the name of its women's athletic
teams, and multiple companies have voluntarily sought permission and
advice from the Pueblo on how they will depict the symbol and
contributed proceeds from sales to a scholarship fund for Zia youth.
Governor Pino also used his deep historical and archaeological
knowledge to serve on boards and committees that advised the Crow
Canyon Archaeological Center, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Native
American Rights Fund. Governor Pino also served as vice chair of the
New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs and was the first Native American
to serve on the New Mexico Game and Fish Commission.
On a personal note, Governor Pino was one of my first mentors in
public service in New Mexico and dear friend. He shared traditional
knowledge and perspectives with me that helped form the foundation of
my respect for Tribal governments, religions, and culture. I am
heartbroken that I did not spend more time learning directly from
Governor Pino because his generosity knew no bounds. I was, however,
fortunate enough to attend a number of feast days at the Pueblo of Zia
and left the Pino home with a tighter belt and great appreciation for
the delicious and healthy traditional food that Peter and his wife
Stella embraced.
When I began advocating for land conservation in New Mexico, Governor
Pino showed me how important sacred sites and cultural landscapes are
to the Tribal nations in our State. He was also an example of
statesmanship to whom I will always look. In fact, I was able to travel
to Washington, DC, with Governor Pino when I was just a city councilor.
Observing how he interacted with my State's congressional delegation
was a very formative experience.
Watching him work to protect the Ojito Wilderness and reclaim lands
from the Bureau of Land Management that contained cultural sites also
taught me how critical it is for Tribes to have a meaningful seat at
the table in conservation and land management decisions.
My thoughts are with Governor Pino's family and the Pueblo of Zia
during this time of mourning. His legacy will never be forgotten.
____________________