[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        MIGUEL TRUJILLO--NATIVE AMERICAN VOTING RIGHTS ADVOCATE

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                           HON. GABE VASQUEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 1, 2023

  Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Miguel 
Trujillo and to celebrate his legacy of service as a tireless advocate 
for Native Americans in my district and across the country.
  Miguel Trujillo is a member of the Pueblo of Isleta tribe of Native 
Americans. At 10 years old, the government removed Miguel from his home 
and sent him to a boarding school across the country where they 
intended to ``assimilate'' him. Instead, Miguel became an advocate for 
education in his own community. After graduating from the Haskell 
Institute in Kansas in 1925, Miguel went on to receive a B.A. from the 
University of New Mexico, despite Native Americans being ineligible for 
scholarships during that time.
  Miguel used his degrees to bring educational opportunities back to 
his community. For decades, Miguel worked as an educator with the 
Bureau of Indian Affairs in New Mexico. He inspired countless students 
in my district and beyond to graduate and pursue their own educational 
journeys.
  At the outset of World War II, Miguel Trujillo volunteered to serve 
in the United States Marines, and went on to join the over 25,000 
Native Americans who defended our country. Following the war, Miguel 
received an honorable discharge, and returned to serving as an educator 
in the Isleta Pueblo. Miguel would go on to receive his M.A., all while 
remaining active in the formerly titled All Indian Pueblo Council and 
veteran organizations.
  In 1948, Miguel attempted to register to vote in Valencia County. 
Despite his record of service as a veteran and an educator, Miguel was 
denied the right to vote due to a provision in New Mexico law that 
barred many Native Americans from voting. Miguel sued, claiming that 
this provision was discriminatory. On August 3, 1948, Miguel won his 
case when a three-judge panel found that he had a constitutional right 
to vote. Miguel's case, known as Trujillo v. Garley, became a landmark 
civil rights case for all Native Americans.
  Since his death, Miguel has been honored for his legacy of service by 
the New Mexico State House and has received a Meritorious Award from 
the Department of the Interior. He recently received the Margaret Chase 
Smith American Democracy Award for his advocacy for the right to vote. 
He is also remembered by the Isleta Pueblo, who celebrate an annual 
Miguel Trujillo Day.
  On the 75th anniversary of his landmark legal victory, I would like 
to celebrate Miguel Trujillo as an educator, a veteran, and a champion 
for justice in his community. His service has made New Mexico and our 
Nation a stronger and more equitable place.
  On behalf of the great people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional 
District, I thank Miguel Trujillo for all he has done for our 
community.

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