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Po'pay was Pueblos' first patriot

--Photo by Architect of the Capitol

Po'pay, as seen in the sculpture by Jémez artist Cliff Fragua at its installation in Statuary Hall in the nation's capitol.

by WILL KIE, C&J 371
Published in the Albuquerque Journal — Sept. 21, 2005

Po’pay was the first North American patriot! How many Native Americans did the Spanish “conquistadors” kill? Two sides to every story.

Imagine if the United States were invaded by radical Islamic terrorists and everyone was forced to convert to Islam. There would be a revolt by Christians in a heartbeat. That is what the native people did at the time. The natives revolted from being forced to convert to Christianity and abandon their sacred native religion.

The Spanish returned years later … with more respect for the local tribes that continues to this day. I am proud my ancestors revolted against the Spanish. Our language is strong as is our religious practices.

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