[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 125 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING TAOS PUEBLO, ITS LEADERS AND ITS PEOPLE, ON THE 40TH 
       ANNIVERSARY OF THE RETURN OF THIER SACRED BLUE LAKE LANDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BEN RAY LUJAN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 16, 2010

  Mr. LUJAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the fortieth 
anniversary of the return of the sacred Blue Lake lands to the people 
of Taos Pueblo.
  The people of Taos Pueblo have continuously occupied the Blue Lake 
lands since before Spain established rule over what is now the 
Southwestern United States. The lake and its surrounding mountains 
constitute the spiritual and religious center of Pueblo life and 
culture. After the Spanish conquest, the Pueblo was granted possessory 
rights over these lands and those rights were honored by subsequent 
Mexican and United States governments.
  In 1906, with the passage of the Antiquities Act, the U.S. Government 
unlawfully seized the Blue Lake lands and incorporated it into Carson 
National Forest. Upon the severance of the Pueblo from its spiritual 
homelands, the Pueblo's leaders began a 60-year-long struggle to 
reclaim its native lands. In 1965, the U.S. Indian Claims Commission 
affirmed that the United States had unjustly taken these lands; 
however, it was not until 1970 that a bipartisan Congress passed 
legislation to finally return 48,000 acres of scared tribal lands to 
the Pueblo.
  On signing the legislation, President Nixon declared that ``This bill 
indicates a new direction in Indian affairs in this country in which 
there will be more of an attitude of cooperation rather than 
paternalism, one of self-determination rather than termination, one of 
mutual respect.'' The Blue Lake lands are sacred to Taos Pueblo, but 
they are a vital symbol of the sovereignty and self-government for all 
of Indian Country.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedication of the 
leaders of Taos Pueblo as they celebrate the anniversary of the return 
of their sacred lands. The perseverance of the Pueblo to obtain justice 
when faced with decades of opposition is an inspiration to us all.

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