[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 166 (Monday, October 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                HONORING THE PUEBLO OF LAGUNA FEAST DAYS

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                         HON. DEBRA A. HAALAND

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 2019

  Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Pueblo of 
Laguna for hosting annual Village Feast Days. I speak in honor of the 
Pueblo of Laguna, our tribal members and traditions. With Laguna 
Village's Saint Joseph Feast Day, celebrated on the 19th day of March 
and September. With Seam Village's Feast Day celebrated on July 26th. 
With Mesita Village's Feast Day celebrated on August 15th. With Encinal 
Village's Feast Day celebrated on September 8th. With Paguate Village's 
Feast Day celebrated on September 25th. With Paraje Village's Feast Day 
celebrated on October 17th. Laguna Pueblo has six distinct villages, 
and they each celebrate respective feast days; expect for the September 
Saint Joseph's Feast day where all villages celebrate together.
   Pueblo Feast Days commemorate the Catholic Saints that were given to 
each New Mexico pueblo when the Franciscan Priests descended upon the 
Pueblos beginning in the late 1500s. The Pueblo of Laguna feast is 
among the largest of Pueblo feast days in the Southwestern United 
States where thousands of people travel across New Mexico and the 
United States to attend. The Pueblo is located approximately forty 
miles west of Albuquerque.
   The ancestors of the Pueblo of Laguna have occupied the region since 
at least 1300 A.D. When the Pueblo Indians migrated to the Rio Grande 
Valley from places such as Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde and Bears Eats. 
Laguna is Spanish for ``lago'' or ``lake'' which is in reference to a 
small lake that was once located within the Pueblo. The Keres language 
is the Indigenous language that members of Laguna speak.
   The Pueblo of Laguna feast days are times for members of the Pueblo 
of Laguna to celebrate our culture, heritage, art and traditions by 
members gathering on the pueblo village plaza for traditions by members 
gathering on the pueblo village plaza for traditional dances and 
opening our homes to visitors to share in traditional food. Feast days 
are open to the public, where visitors are given the opportunity to 
understand the Laguna peoples' traditions by observing ceremonial 
dances, cultural activities and purchasing arts and crafts.
   The importance of understanding all native cultures cannot be 
understated. Diverse cultural understanding is in furtherance of a 
better-informed people and nation. Knowledge of Native American culture 
tears down racial and cultural barriers and promotes an inclusive 
society. An inclusive society is necessary to national progress and the 
prosperity of the people of the United States. Inclusion allows people 
to come together in support of each other, promoting the well being of 
all people regardless of cultural and racial background.
   Madam Speaker, today I request to honor the Pueblo of Laguna for 
hosting their annual Feast Days which are essential to the future of 
our community and the overall strength and resilience of all Native 
American people. I thank and honor the Pueblo of Laguna for their hard 
work and dedication to protecting their culture and traditions, which 
will stand for generations to come.

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