SENATE MEMORIAL 134

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Richard C. Martinez

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING MARCH 7, 2017 "CITY OF ESPANOLA AND RIO ARRIBA COUNTY DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, the Espanola valley lies along the Rio Grande, within historic Rio Arriba county; and

     WHEREAS, the 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 quartercentenary of colonial Hispanic influence in northern New Mexico and the Espanola valley; and

     WHEREAS, it was in the Espanola valley that the first Spanish settlement of Nuevo Mexico was established on the camino real trade route; and

     WHEREAS, in 1598, the first capital of Spanish New Mexico, San Gabriel, was founded at Yungue Uingue Pueblo near the confluence of what would become known as the Chama river and the Rio Grande; and

     WHEREAS, the original Espanola consisted of five communities: Santa Cruz de la Canada, Santo Nino, San Pedro, La Vega de Los Vigils and Corral de Piedra, better known today as the beautiful Espanola valley; and

     WHEREAS, the state legislature honors and supports cultural diversity, including the strong roots of Hispanic and Native American culture that make up the rich tapestry of traditions found throughout present-day New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the city of Espanola and Rio Arriba county represent the significant contributions made to the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of this area;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 7, 2017 be declared "City of Espanola and Rio Arriba County Day" in the senate; and

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

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