ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Albuquerque marked Indigenous Peoples Day with events to boost voter outreach and celebrations at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
New Mexico Native Vote helped Indigenous communities prepare to vote during a celebration at Tiguex Park.
“So we want to make sure we have our native relatives, our native youth, really understanding what’s at stake here,” said Anpa’o Locke.
The holiday also highlighted generations of Indigenous history for people taking part at events at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Visitors also came to learn more about Native culture during their time in Albuquerque.
“So what I will say is that’s part of the reason why we came, just because we knew that there were a lot of pueblos and we wanted to learn a lot more– And obviously the influence of Native Americans, you feel it when you’re in Albuquerque,” said Kendra Lucking.
Theodore Lucking, a fourth grader visiting from Virginia, picked up a handmade arrowhead to take back home.
“Because I can show it to my class because my friend had like way more Native American stuff that he showed to us and it was cool,” said Theodore Lucking.
Lucking said she hopes that curiosity continues after the trip.
“And so for them to always want to learn about other cultures, other people is just something that’s so important,” said Kendra Lucking.
Organizers said they hope the conversations that started during Monday’s celebrations continue after the festivities end.
