On Thursday, January 25th 2018 three-hundred farmers, ranchers and advocates marched to the state capitol to celebrate the economic and cultural contributions of acequias. After a beautiful march with shovels and songs led my Dr. David García and Jerimiah Martinez 30 acequia leaders who represent their respective acequia regions were recognized on the rostrum. The Rally was opened by our Sembrando Semillas youth and followed by a moving speech given by Don Bustos. NMAA was honored to have Peter Vigil, District Manager of the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District present about the ongoing revitalization and infrastructure projects being piloted in his district followed by testimonies from Acequia del Monte del Rio Chiquito and the Rio Fernando Revitalization group who have created unique collaborations to get these projects completed. The rotunda was filled with partners, collaborators and other environmental organizations who gathered in solidarity for acequias!
Muchisima gracia to all the farmers and acequia leaders who traveled near and far to participate with us on this special day, we hope you can join us next year!
NMAA wants to give a special thanks to Teresa’s Tamales who fed everyone a delicious lunch after the rally! We also want to recognize our partners and sponsors Taos Soil and Water Conservation District, Taos Valley Acequia Association, TEWA Women United, NMACD, New Mexico Acequia Commission, Rio Fernando Revitalization Group, South West Center for Research, Sol Soliz Farm.
NMAA also wants to thank in a special way Evalina Montoya who donated her art for our 2018 Acequia Day Buttons.
Acequias continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of these changing times, as communities hold tight to the values, beauty, and way of life that acequias provide!
Que Vivan las Acequais!
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