The Return of Blue Lake

Paul J. Bernal of Taos Pueblo was an instrumental figure in the struggle for the return of Blue Lake. He was born in Taos in 1911 and grew up on the Pueblo, but left Taos to serve in the Navy during World War II. He served as Tribal Secretary, a life-long appointment, and was an important strategist for the Pueblo's campaign in Washington. His fluency in both Tiwa and English proved to be crucial for the struggle as he served as translator for the Taos Pueblo elders and Tribal Council. It was Bernal who translated the words of Juan de Jesus Romero (Taos Pueblo Cacique), Querino Romero (Governor), and Seferino Martinez (Council Member) into English for the congressional hearings.

Photograph by Rick Romancito, found online at "Taos Blue Lake commemorative exhibit opens," The Taos News, Dec 14, 2010.

From United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. Subcommittee on Indian Affairs. Taos Indians, Blue Lake: Hearings, Ninetieth Congress, Second Session, On H.R. 3306 ... S. 1624 ... And S. 1625 ... September 19 And 20, 1968. Washington: U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1968., pp. 184-185