SENATE MEMORIAL 118

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Richard C. Martinez

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING MARCH 18, 2015 "ESPANOLA VALLEY DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, Espanola valley lies along the Rio Grande within the historic counties of Rio Arriba and Santa Fe; and

     WHEREAS, Espanola valley encompasses the centuries-old Pueblo of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh, whose people nurtured the land long before the arrival of European settlers; and

     WHEREAS, 1998 marked the quatercentenary of colonial Hispanic influence in northern New Mexico and in the Espanola valley; and

     WHEREAS, the founding in 1598 of San Gabriel, the first capitol, was at Yungue, near the confluence of what would be known as the Chama river and the Rio Grande; and

     WHEREAS, the first Spanish settlement in Nuevo Mexico was established at the end of the camino real trade route traversing the route from Mexico to Ohkay Owingeh; and

     WHEREAS, the original Espanola valley consisted of five communities, Santa Cruz de la Canada, Santo Nino, San Pedro, La Vega de Los Vigil and Corral de Pierda, and a small area called Curuco; and

     WHEREAS, cultural diversity is honored and supported in New Mexico, where the strong roots of Hispanic and Native American culture make up the rich tapestry of traditions found throughout the state today; and

     WHEREAS, the city of Espanola and the counties of Rio Arriba and Santa Fe represent significant contributions made to the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of this part of the United States;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 18, 2015 be designated "Espanola Valley Day" in the senate, honoring the Espanola valley for its rich multicultural heritage and long-standing traditions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the mayor and councilors of the city of Espanola; the mayor and councilors of the city of Santa Fe; the chair of the Espanola county commission; the chair of the Santa Fe county commission; the managers of Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties; and the governors of the Pueblo of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh.

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