Sharing One Skin

written by Jeanette Armstrong, describes the culture of the Okanagan people, the different environments that her people live in. The huge mountain and the river which meander through the land, and the 4 pieces of their lives: Physical, Emotional, Thinking Intellect, and Spiritual.

She also tells what she and her people believe in a community. How the community lives, before your families and friends, and before yourself. If the community is healthy so is the environment around it, and will be lush for generations to come. Plenty of other benefits come from a healthy community too.

“Native American Identity”

by Perry G. Hersey was more reflective than the first. The author starts with a quote from his grandmother from 1950 “Someday we’re going to be like white people,” (pg 61). He then informs us that the younger generation does not want to learn the Kiowa language, does not want to eat like the Kiowa, and that American culture dominates over the Kiowa culture. He then goes on to talk about how being Native is a privilege. We are people of the earth, and we have a link to it and the animals and things around us. We should not be pessimistic of the world around us. That even with the cons there are pros, but the pros are diminishing without practice or action.

Personal Connections

I am into playing video games, the latest game I’ve played was Civilization 6. The game opened my eyes to more ideas and how these are more connected than they seem. Before that I liked the idea of creating builds that would look amazing and serve people to work, or live in. I was about 8 or 9 when I played Minecraft and I really enjoyed it, and probably inspired my dream to become an architect. Do not mistake my interest for games for a weakness, rather see through my eyes, something to give me inspiration, a canvas for my brain. My grandma also worked with a lot of government officials, always encouraged me to try my hand at the tribal government. It is quite a lot on my plate, so I hope to give efforts by sharing ideas with my Governor and his advisors.

Problem Overview

It might not be a problem but I would like to see more buildings that would serve as housing or local business. I believe from the lack of jobs, amenities, and opportunity more people have decided to leave the reservation which makes the community even more disconnected and empty, everything is connected. It probably isn’t just in Mesita Village but all the villages across Laguna Pueblo, and I’m sure other tribes are feeling the pressure from problems like this.

History

“Paguate village attitudes and beliefs on preservation and renovation of traditional structures: remembering our connection to our mother,” was a journal written by Lorenzo June L. The journal explains an opinion that they want to preserve these buildings for their uses, and not tourism. “This study grew out of a concern for preserving the core buildings--rock and adobe structures--of a Pueblo community,”(pg1). They say by persevering these buildings it will also hold up our core values like respect for one another, care for one another, and love one another. I interpret it as respect/care/love for all things that have importance: people, animals, and artifacts.

“Stuccoed in Time '' written by Delaney Hall is a quick article that talks about architecture around New Mexico. One of the architectural styles that is prevalent in Santa Fe, it’s called Pueblo Revival. However the city didn’t always appreciate the style of architecture. In the 1800s Italianate, Romanesque, Neoclassical, and other European styles were pushed heavily since New Mexico tried to join the United States saying “... congressional leaders perceived the region as a dusty foreign outpost unlikely to integrate into mainstream American culture”. By 1912 New Mexico was a state but they didn’t stand out at all. The Mayor formed a council to make Santa Fe Great Again, or rather save the city from the declining population and tourism. Santa Fe has since grown, however housing has been more expensive, some advocates are pushing for a revitalization of the Traditional Pueblo architecture.

The video “Pueblo Revival Architecture” which goes in depth on the history of Pueblo Revival Architecture. It stems from classic Pueblo architecture, which was created by multiple tribes such as the Pueblo, Hopi, and Zuni. Pueblo architecture would still be a part of the future of New Mexico. The Mayor of Santa Fe once got so desperate since the city saw now growth and no new settlers, he appointed a whole community to “save Santa Fe”. Pueblo architecture was among the styles that were selected to experiment a new style of architecture, now known as Santa Fe Architecture.

Ideally my topic will involve people from Mesita Village to help restore a building from a person who consents to the restoration process. The process is only to restore the integrity of the structure within the local architecture style. Pulling together the community members to help will also allow the community to meet and learn from each other, or “Embrace the Community”. The Action Plan I hope will inspire a vision or visions for the future of Mesita Village, and create more ideas that will benefit the people. With the connections that I hope will be built, I also hope this will help the people of Mesita to share their ideas with each other.

Current Issues

Cultural Resources / Tribal Historic Preservation Program is a program from the Pueblo of Laguna and is Managed by Richard Smith, Sr., Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. Robert Romero, Cultural Resource Specialist. Alexander Marx, THPO GIS Technician. And Yvette Trujillo, Administrative Assistant I. This Program is to manage, record, and preserve culture resources, as well as related topics. The THPO sends officers to meetings that involve the tribe’s legal counsel and issues related to mining and utility projects by outside industrial companies. Officers also converse with the Pueblos Land Acquisition Committee to ensure that Culture has an appropriate effect in the decisions of land purchases. As the project continues, they hope to continue to protect and preserve our cultural heritage and execute them with our core values in mind, “As the program develops we hope to add a museum, language study, and other elements to our THPO Office”.

It sounds as if they are active from reading the rest of the website and what they do. In times like this, with culture loss, and language dwindling, it's good that we have a program to reverse these effects. I want to know what else they do to help the preservation of culture, like their thoughts on my action plan, when and where would they like to put the measure they spoke about. I got a little excited when I first found out about this program that I didn’t know we had. I am sure that my action plan would pique their interest since they are concerned with preservation of our culture and traditions.

The General Maintenance strives to bring efficient maintenance to the facilities of Pueblo of Laguna. While they don’t usually provide maintenance to the community, you could ask for a special work order, “Services will be provided on an emergency or special need due to health, age, physical impairment, low income or if referrals by another program/entity/agency/Mayordomos stipulating those requirements are made”. They provide these services to facilities and the community, some of these services include.

“Types of Service Performed by GM:

Minor Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning System Services

Electrical Services

Plumbing Services

General Maintenance Services

Auditorium & Kitchen Usage

Custodial Services”

The General Maintenance sounds like they are for the workforce and keeping their facilities clean and organized. With a plan and a little encouragement maybe I could convince my village Mayordomos to encourage my action plan, and embrace the simplicity of our architecture. Now in the modern era we have utilities to make our lives easier. It’s important as our culture to not get left behind in technology. I am reaching but I hope to get help from GM for plumbing, and electrical services.

There is no actual audio but basically this is a visual display of the current situation and conditions of old buildings on the Laguna Reservation. The video has the creator drive around the Laguna Reservation to observe and record different locations to inform others who watch.

I use this as evidence for poorly maintained buildings, and the need of restoring and preservation of pueblo architecture. You could argue that the gas station isn’t a part of Laguna’s culture, which you’re maybe right. But the older buildings where families lived, those are a part of the community, you could also say the gas station was apart too.

“Not all Heroes Wear Capes”/ Acknowledgement

My grandma’s name is Sue and she has taken care of me since I was in elementary school. She worked over 10 years working for the tribe in different positions in the tribal government.

She had a computer and when she wasn’t working I spent time playing Minecraft. I can’t remember how I convinced my Grandma to get it for me, but I was glad she did. For almost a year I played that game everyday after school. I'm sure it heavily influenced my dream to become an architect.

She also has made it clear that she cares about her family too. One reason why is that she helps out with family whenever they ask her. Because of this she has plenty of people who also look out for us. Overall she has given a lot to be where she is. I’m pretty happy that I live with my Grandma and spend time with her. Special thanks to her.

Constructing the Future

With that being said Architecture can last throughout the years, by donating time we can ensure that these buildings can last through generations. Once you return home or make the time, take a walk around your home or interior of your house. Take note of any structure or things around the environment that need tending to, or might cause a foreseeable problem in the future.

You may also ask your parents or setup a savings for future unforeseen events like a broken window, a hole in the wall, or shingles missing from the house. Taking care of a house will make it feel more like home. In the long term you can set a date of the month or week to take care of your home by cleaning, and analyzing for problems that may need a fix.

Thank You to Everyone Who was Involved

Thank you, Grandma Sue

Thank you, Ms, Grimley - SHP Instructor

Thank you, all my Close Friends

Bibliography

-Abedi, Maham. “Virtual Tour of Notre Dame's Storied Architecture.” YouTube, Global News, 17 Apr. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7WmOrtO5FE.

-Armstrong, Jeanette. “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community,” in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds), The Case Against the Global Economy. San Francisco, CA, Sierra Club Books, 1996. Pp 460-470.

-CharlieBo313. “LAGUNA PUEBLO INDIAN RESERVATION / NEW MEXICO BACK COUNTRY”. YouTube, 26 June 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V1x8sCjwQo&t=102s. Accessed 12 Nov. 2021.

-“Cultural Resources / Tribal Historic Preservation Program”, PoL Tribal Historic Preservation Office, https://www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov/departments/environmental-and-natural-resources/cultural-resources-tribal-historic-preservation-program/

-Editorial, A., & Ventura, A. (2019, January 8). The architect who brought modernism to Hawaii's Tropical Landscape. Artsy. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-architect-brought-tropical-modernism-hawaii

-Hall, Delaney. “Stuccoed in Time.” 99% Invisible, Delaney Hall, 1 Jan. 1970, https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/stuccoed-in-time/.

-Hemingway, Colette. “Architecture in Ancient Greece.” Metmuseum.org, Oct. 2003, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/grarc/hd_grarc.htm#:~:text=The%20two%20principal%20orders%20in,slab%20known%20as%20the%20echinus.

-Horse, Perry, G. “Native American Identity”, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hoboken, NJ, New Directions For Student Services, Pp 61-69.

-Mather, Christine. “Pueblo Revival Architecture”, SAR School for Advanced Research, 1 July 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYXVty73aNc.

-“General Maintenance”, PoL General Maintenance, https://www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov/departments/public-works/general-maintenance/.

Photo Citations

Photo 1: Manhhai. “The Devastating Notre Dame Cathedral Fire, in 19 Photos.” Flickr, Yahoo!, 20 Apr. 2019, https://www.flickr.com/photos/13476480@N07/32705260197

Photo 2: “An Overview of Architecture in the Hawaiian Islands.” An Overview of Architecture in the Hawaiian Islands | News & Updates | Bali Hai Realty, 2022, https://balihai.com/posts/an-overview-of-architecture-in-the-hawaiian islands/#:~:text=In%20the%201920s%20the%20Beaux,Greek%20and%20Roman%20architectural%20styles.

Photo 3: Frederickson, Paul. “File:Lincoln-Memorial WashingtonDC Crop.jpg.” Wikimedia Commons, 21 Aug. 2006, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lincoln-Memorial_WashingtonDC_Crop.jpg.