Our New Mexican Ancestors

don Juan de Onate

Up the long trail from Mexico they came in 1598, four hundred and fifteen years ago this year. Being led by don Juan de Onate. They were carrying in their veins not just Old World Spain but the blood of Indian Mexico as well. They settled into the valleys and edges of the mountains and fashioned a new cultural identity from their struggles here in todays "Land of Enchantment"; they became NEW MEXICANS. These Hispanic pioneers became Nortenos, Nuevo Mejicanos!

Even though seldom mentioned in the books that present American history to schoolchildren their (our) story is as much a part of the North American colonial experience as that of the pilgrims who arrived later in 1520.

It has been a long time since then. It is good to see my fellow New Mexicans, not only still here, but a vibrant part of the leadership of the state. Our ancestors would be proud.