(2009) Public Law 111-118, Section 8113--The Apology to Native Peoples of the United States explains, “the United States, acting through Congress-- • Recognizes that there have been years of official depredations, ill-conceived policies, and the breaking of covenants by the Federal Government regarding Indian tribes; • Apologizes on behalf of the people of the United States to all Native Peoples for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect inflicted on Native Peoples by the citizens of the United States; and • Urges the President to acknowledge the wrongs of the United States against Indian tribes in the history of the United States in order to bring healing to this land….” |
Puye Cliffs (pronounced poo-yay) is the ancestral home of the present-day inhabitants (approximately 1,000) of Santa Clara Pueblo, one of 19 pueblos in New Mexico. Native Americans’ cultural and spiritual beliefs include significant attachments to ancestral land.
Santa Clara Pueblo (called Kha’p’oo Owinge in Tewa, their native language, means valley of the wild roses) is located 10 miles east of the Puye Cliff Dwellings. Santa Clara residents manage the cliff site located on the Pajarito Plateau.
There are 562 federally recognized Indian Nations (variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities, rancherias and native villages) in the United States. Approximately 229 of these ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse nations are located in Alaska; the rest are located in 33 other states. The United States Constitution recognizes that Indian Nations are sovereign governments. National Congress of American Indians |
Archaeologists also determined the south-facing cliff housed 740 cozy and toasty winter residences/apartments originally stacked three stories high, to the top of the mesa; obviously inspiration for today’s apartment living. Summers the Puye resided on the top of the mesa where cool northern breezes offset the summer heat.
I gingerly walked the 200-foot volcanic tuff cliff face (we opted not to tour the top of the mesa) formed by the Jemez Caldera volcanic eruption more than a million years ago, marveling at the magnificent view from almost 7,000 feet up. Savoring that view, I understood anew the deep respect Native Americans share for the land.
The General Allotment Act of 1887, also known as the Dawes Act, forced the conversion of communally held tribal lands into small parcels for individual ownership. More than 90 million acres – nearly two-thirds of reservation land – were taken from tribes and given to settlers, most often without compensation to the tribes, frequently leaving tribes with non-arable land that would not sustain the growth of their populations. National Congress of American Indians |
My pieces arrived home in pristine condition, the black-on-black pottery created by Okhuwa P’ing and his wife Linda distinctively Santa Clara Pueblo works of art. I had no intention of filling my new pottery with cornmeal or dried berries or water to fortify me during the long winter months, as was the custom. It’s been good riddance to Old Man Winter in these parts.
National Congress of American Indians
The Bottom Line on Santa Clara Pueblo Puye Cliff Dwellings
Verdict: Every man has his castle. This Native American castle, and so many others like it throughout the Midwest, are truly architectural wonders you don’t to miss.
Insider Information: Arrive as early as possible (the National Historic Landmark opens at 8:30 am during the summer, 9:00 am during the winter) if you plan on seeing both the cliff dwellings and the pueblo village on top of the mesa (a hefty $35 fee; $20 for just the cliff dwellings tour or just the mesa top tour). Two hours in the hot sun at an altitude of 7000 feet will suck it out of you. Bring water!!! BTW, the two buildings at the base of the mesa (the gift shop and the interpretative center) were originally a Harvey House, the only one built on an Indian Reservation. In the 1920s, Fred Harvey became famous for his hospitality houses close to railroad stops throughout the Midwest. | How to Get There: The Puye Cliff Dwellings and Mesa Top are located five miles southwest of Espanola off Route 30. From Santa Fe, New Mexico, take I-285/84 North to the Los Alamos exit, NM 502. Follow Route 502; turn right on NM 30, look for the Puye Cliffs Welcome Center on the left . A word of caution: GPS is just a suggestion in most of New Mexico. Nearby Food: It’s back to the Welcome Center or the nearby town of Espanola when it comes to food in terms of a meal. |