Bosque Redondo Memorial Commemorates 150 Years since the Treaty of 1868

I keep in touch with the happenings at the memorial at Bosque Redondo, NM through the museum association’s newsletter. I wrote about my somber visit to the site several years ago. I was terribly moved after visiting and talking with elders on the Navajo Reservation whose relatives had been forced to endure The Long Walk to Bosque Redondo.

The memorial has announced that Friday June 8th they will offer an opportunity for Navajo and Mescalero Apache visitors to shape the museum’s interpretation of their cultural history. On Saturday, June 9th visitors will have a chance to participate in a recreation of the Navajo return to the homeland to promote solidarity and reconciliation.

Also on Saturday, the 150th Treaty celebration will host cultural dances, respected speakers from tribal and state government, along with tribal elders sharing their oral traditions as they pertain to the hardships and resilience of life both during the reservation era as well as the post reservation era.  Traditional foods and artisans will be on site in support the event and the culture.

After the event, visitors will have the option to participate in a 6.5-mile walk/run, led by DCA, from Bosque Redondo Memorial to Fort Sumner High School in honor of the Navajo return to the homeland.  Upon arriving at the high school, visitors can choose whether to continue the 350-mile walk back to Window Rock, AZ or remain at the high school for refreshments.

To learn more call 575.355.2573

Information Provided by Museum of New Mexico Foundation