[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 2, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING PETER M. PINO

  Mr. HEINRICH. Madam President, it is an honor to recognize the 
enormously impactful life of Governor Peter M. Pino. The Pueblo of Zia, 
and New Mexico as a whole, have lost one of our greatest leaders.
  Peter M. Pino devoted his entire life to serving the people of the 
Pueblo of Zia. For more than four decades, he served the Pueblo of Zia 
as Governor, War Chief, Tribal council member, Tribal administrator, 
and treasurer. He was also a traditional spiritual leader and held a 
lifetime appointment as one of the Pueblo's Keeper of Songs. As a 
traditional artist, Governor Pino employed techniques passed down to 
him by his Puebloan ancestors to craft works in rock, tan deer hides, 
and make moccasins, bows, arrows, digging sticks, rabbit sticks, and 
bone tools.
  He also played an instrumental role in the Pueblo's ongoing effort to 
repatriate and protect a treasured part of Zia's heritage and cultural 
property, its sacred sun symbol. Almost a century after the State of 
New Mexico appropriated this sacred symbol on its flag, Pino helped 
lead the Pueblo's actions to seek compensation, public education and 
engagement, and permission for commercial uses. Thanks to this work, 
Eastern New Mexico University changed the name of its women's athletic 
teams, and multiple companies have voluntarily sought permission and 
advice from the Pueblo on how they will depict the symbol and 
contributed proceeds from sales to a scholarship fund for Zia youth.
  Governor Pino also used his deep historical and archaeological 
knowledge to serve on boards and committees that advised the Crow 
Canyon Archaeological Center, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Native 
American Rights Fund. Governor Pino also served as vice chair of the 
New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs and was the first Native American 
to serve on the New Mexico Game and Fish Commission.
  On a personal note, Governor Pino was one of my first mentors in 
public service in New Mexico and dear friend. He shared traditional 
knowledge and perspectives with me that helped form the foundation of 
my respect for Tribal governments, religions, and culture. I am 
heartbroken that I did not spend more time learning directly from 
Governor Pino because his generosity knew no bounds. I was, however, 
fortunate enough to attend a number of feast days at the Pueblo of Zia 
and left the Pino home with a tighter belt and great appreciation for 
the delicious and healthy traditional food that Peter and his wife 
Stella embraced.
  When I began advocating for land conservation in New Mexico, Governor 
Pino showed me how important sacred sites and cultural landscapes are 
to the Tribal nations in our State. He was also an example of 
statesmanship to whom I will always look. In fact, I was able to travel 
to Washington, DC, with Governor Pino when I was just a city councilor. 
Observing how he interacted with my State's congressional delegation 
was a very formative experience.
  Watching him work to protect the Ojito Wilderness and reclaim lands 
from the Bureau of Land Management that contained cultural sites also 
taught me how critical it is for Tribes to have a meaningful seat at 
the table in conservation and land management decisions.
  My thoughts are with Governor Pino's family and the Pueblo of Zia 
during this time of mourning. His legacy will never be forgotten.

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