A disturbing dedication to the book, “New Mexico Native American Lore: Skinwalkers, Katchinas, Spirits and Dark Omens,” by Ray John de Aragon, that was supposed to be a positive and informative view of Native American/Pueblo world view but instead strongly convicts a deeply respected Pueblo leader.
Also, further into the book and more text regarding Popé. When you say “so-called Pueblo Revolt,” my Pueblo people know that at the time of this coordination to resist and/or remove these “invaders,” there were brutalities inflicted on the Pueblo people that caused the leaders to come together to defend the very existence and ways of who we were and still are.
I am disappointed that I did not have the opportunity to see a draft before it went to final print. There are inaccuracies with regard my art descriptions, after I emailed the descriptions and biography.
After speaking and showing this book to some deeply respected elders and leaders from a number of Pueblos, I will not assist in promoting the book.
I am asking that a disclaimer be sent to the book’s publisher to be printed and added, as an insert, immediately. This disclaimer should read:
“Artist Lena J. Munoz does not support the text written about the Pueblo leader Popé. As a person of Pueblo ancestry, she knows there are endless accounts/versions from ‘every group of people’ during time of conquest by the invaders from across the waters, i.e., the Spanish, British, French, etc., from every direction on the continent. The historical account by the Pueblo people is my bias. My art does not represent the narrative expressed in this text.”
I know my Pueblo people — Ysleta — with a deeper respect and understanding with regard to my place in my Pueblo world, even if I don’t live or participate in the community. I was told that as a Pueblo woman, my heart is where it should be.
I have very mixed feelings about contributing my art since I received the book. I am returning the book with corrections and I will take some time to evaluate my feelings.
I was not compensated for my art in this book in advance and only when the book sells. Since I am not promoting this book I will decline any form of payment by the author.
Also the Poeh Cultural Center, Pojaque Pueblo, is celebrating the “Pueblo Revolt” from the perspective of the Pueblo experience so the historical knowledge is never forgotten.
Original source found here.
