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The Return of Blue Lake

The UNM-Taos Return of Blue Lake Library Guide is designed to offer resources and historical context for this momentous occasion in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the return of Blue Lake to the Taos Pueblo people.

Gilbert Suazo Sr.

In the 1968 House subcommittee hearings, opponents of the legislation argued that only elder councilmen were interested in the returning of Blue Lake. For the 1970 hearings, Gilbert Suazo accompanied the elders to D.C. to represent the youth of Taos Pueblo. In the hearings he delivered a statement that was endorsed by 640 members of the Pueblo. Gilbert Suazo Sr. has since served many positions in the pueblo since including governor, war chief, and tribal secretary.

"Taos Pueblo elder and Blue-Lake struggle veteran Gilbert Suazo, left, holding drum, takes part in a procession starting off the Return of Blue Lake ceremonies Saturday, Sept. 18, 1970. Rick Romancito/Taos News" Taken from "Steadfast and Authentic" by Rick Romancito, Discover Taos Magazine, 2020.