The Acoma Indian Reservation, a testament to resilience and enduring culture, lies nestled within the expansive landscapes of New Mexico. Spanning across portions of Cibola, Socorro, and Catron counties, this reservation encompasses a significant 594.996 square miles (1,541.033 square kilometers). At the heart of this protected land sits the Acoma Pueblo, an ancient settlement often referred to as "Sky City," which holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States.
Acoma Pueblo is not merely a historical site; it is a vibrant, living community, a federally recognized Indian Tribe with a profound connection to its ancestral lands. The Acoma Indian Reservation provides a home to approximately 4,800 tribal members. Their land base encompasses 431,664 acres, an area rich in history, culture, and the natural beauty of the American Southwest. While modernity has touched the edges of the reservation, the traditional Acoma Pueblo itself remains a poignant reminder of a simpler way of life, with over 250 dwellings that stand without the conveniences of electricity, sewer systems, or running water.
A striking feature of the Acoma Pueblo is its dramatic location atop a 367-foot (112 m) sandstone mesa. This natural fortress, a valley studded with sacred, towering monoliths, provided the Acoma people with a strategic advantage and a sense of security for centuries. Access to the mesa was traditionally gained only by a hand-carved staircase etched into the sheer rock face, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Acoma people.
A Journey Through Time: History and Culture
The story of the Acoma people is woven into the very fabric of the American Southwest. Their origins trace back to approximately 1150 AD, making them contemporaries of other ancient civilizations in the region. Along with the Hopi town of Old Oraibi in Arizona, Acoma Pueblo shares the honor of being among the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the nation.
The Acoma people have maintained a strong connection to their cultural heritage, particularly their language. They speak Keresan, a linguistic isolate within the broader Pueblo language family. For many older Acoma individuals, Keresan remains their primary or only language. While most middle-aged and younger Acoma people also speak English, Keresan continues to be a vital part of their identity. Additionally, many Acoma individuals are fluent in Spanish, reflecting the complex history of cultural interactions in the region.
The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century brought profound changes to the lives of the Acoma people. In 1598, Spanish conquistador Don Juan De Oñate led an expedition into New Mexico, initiating a period of conflict and cultural exchange. Initially, the Acoma people resisted the Spanish presence, leading to a violent confrontation in which several Spaniards were killed.
In response, Oñate dispatched a force of soldiers to Acoma Pueblo in 1599. The ensuing battle resulted in a devastating defeat for the Acoma people. Hundreds were killed, and the surviving population was subjected to harsh punishments, including enslavement and the amputation of feet for men of fighting age.
Despite the brutality of this chapter in their history, the Acoma people persevered. The pueblo was rebuilt, and the community continued to thrive. The people of the Acoma Indian Reservation never again fell to an invader. This strength and survival is a testament to their resilience and determination to preserve their cultural identity.
A lasting symbol of the Spanish colonial era is the San Esteban del Rey Mission, a Catholic mission church constructed in Acoma Pueblo starting in 1629. The construction of the mission was a monumental undertaking, with Spanish settlers carrying massive 30-foot beams from Mount Taylor Mountain, a distance of 30 miles. The dirt for the mission’s graveyard was transported up the mesa from the valley below. Today, both the Mission and the Pueblo are Registered National Historical Landmarks, offering a glimpse into the complex interplay of cultures that shaped the region.
The Modern Acoma Indian Reservation
Today, the Acoma Indian Reservation is comprised of several villages, including Acomita, McCartys, Anzac, and the newer subdivision of Sky Line. While the traditional pueblo on the mesa remains the cultural heart of the community, these surrounding villages offer modern amenities and housing options for tribal members.
The Acoma people continue to practice traditional agricultural techniques, including dry-farming in the valley below the mesa and the use of irrigation canals in the villages closer to the Rio San Jose. They also raise livestock, including sheep and cattle, and cultivate grain crops.
In addition to agriculture, many Acoma people are skilled artisans, particularly in the creation of pottery. Acoma pottery is renowned for its intricate designs, delicate craftsmanship, and distinctive black-on-white coloration. The sale of pottery to tourists provides an important source of income for many families. The tribe also operates the Skyline Casino, providing employment opportunities for tribal members and generating revenue for community programs.
Visiting Acoma Pueblo
Acoma Pueblo is open to the public, but access is restricted to guided tours only. This policy helps to protect the cultural integrity of the site and ensure that visitors are respectful of the Acoma people and their traditions. Photography of the pueblo and surrounding lands is also restricted, and visitors are required to obtain camera permits from the Sky City visitor center at the base of the mesa. Videotaping, drawing, and sketching are strictly prohibited.
The Sky City visitor center, recently renovated, serves as the starting point for tours of Acoma Pueblo. Here, visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Acoma people, purchase souvenirs, and obtain the necessary permits for photography.
Census Designated Places
In addition to the Acoma Pueblo itself, there are three Census Designated Places (CDPs) located within the Acoma Indian Reservation: Acomita Lake, North Acomita Village, and Skyline-Ganipa. These CDPs are home to a significant portion of the reservation’s population.
Acomita Lake, as of the 2000 census, had a population of 312. North Acomita Village had a population of 288, and Skyline-Ganipa had a population of 1,035. Each of these communities has its own unique characteristics and demographics, contributing to the diversity of the Acoma Indian Reservation.
Data from the 2000 census reveals the socioeconomic conditions in these communities. Median household incomes ranged from $26,190 in Skyline-Ganipa to $26,250 for male-headed households in North Acomita Village. Per capita incomes were relatively low, ranging from $7,553 in Skyline-Ganipa to $10,569 in North Acomita Village. Poverty rates were also high, with a significant percentage of families and individuals living below the poverty line.
Acoma Pueblo: A National Treasure
Acoma Pueblo’s historical and cultural significance has been recognized through numerous accolades. In 2007, Acoma Pueblo was named the 28th National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) site, making it the only Native American Historic Preservation site in the nation. This designation underscores the importance of preserving and protecting this unique cultural treasure for future generations.
The Acoma people have signed treaties with the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans, attesting to their sovereignty and their right to self-determination. These treaties represent a complex history of negotiations and agreements, reflecting the ongoing efforts of the Acoma people to protect their land, culture, and way of life.
In 1877, the Acoma people were granted 94,000 acres of land by the U.S. government through a treaty. While this was less than what they believed they were entitled to based on historical evidence, it solidified their land rights and provided a foundation for their continued self-governance.
The Acoma Indian Reservation stands as a living testament to the resilience, cultural richness, and enduring spirit of the Acoma people. From its ancient origins to its modern-day challenges, the Acoma Indian Reservation is a place of profound historical and cultural significance, a place that deserves to be cherished and protected for generations to come.