Representative Derrick Lente guided Indigenous Peoples’ Day from inception to celebration

New Mexico celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an official holiday for the third time this year on Oct. 11. Indigenous Peoples’ Day officially replaced Columbus Day in the state in 2019. The day offers New Mexico’s Indigenous population a formal opportunity to celebrate their culture and their heritage. However, the holiday only came to fruition after a great deal of work and debate.

The process of changing the holiday began with legislation sponsored by Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo, and co-sponsored by Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe. Lente said the idea of a formal day to...

The Community Pantry and Hope Garden invites Gallupians to dress up as their favorite characters and celebrate the changing of the season at the Monster Mash Dash and Wellness Fair Oct. 23 at the Fox Run Golf Course at 1109 Susan Ave.

“We want to bring awareness to the community for wellness services,” Community Pantry Executive Director Alice Perez said. Perez also emphasized the need for volunteers at the Pantry.

The Community Pantry was founded by Jim Harlin and Tom Crider in 1999 to serve people in northwestern N.M. with healthy food and nutrition initiatives. The pantry includes a food distribution warehouse, large outdoor garden, and greenhouses.

Today, the Community Pantry...

Building Nations LLC is promoting a 34-plus mile horse ride to honor the cultures and histories of Indigenous tribes across the country.

Riders will take a horseback ride over a 34-mile route starting at Cornerstone Ministry Center in Smith Lake, 1299 N.M. Hwy. 371, and travel westbound to Rehoboth Christian School, 211 Tse Yaaniichi St.

The second Monday in October is the date set for Indigenous Peoples’ Day in New Mexico. That will fall on Oct. 11.

The date was declared as Indigenous Peoples’ Day by the Gallup City Council in September 2016; by the McKinley County Commission in October 2017. In April 2019 it became an official state holiday.

This year, on Sept. 30, U. S...