
Though Gallup is recognized for its rich Native American history, it’s often forgotten that Native peoples occupied the area before anyone else.
That’s part of the message Navajo civic activist Mervyn Tilden wants to promote in light of the newly instituted Gallup Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which the Gallup City Council formalized via resolution at its Sept. 27 regular meeting.
“This is a great day – a great day for everyone,” Tilden, a Church Rock native, said.
Asked what word he’d give to the Oct. 10 demonstration in front of the Gallup Cultural Center at 201 E. Hwy. 66, Tilden replied, “Life.”
Close to 20 people joined him at the demonstration off and on...