ALAMO, N.M. – Traveling over 234 miles, my road trip brought me to the beautiful community of Alamo Navajo for the 42nd Annual Alamo Indian Day Celebration, where this year’s theme was focused on bringing awareness to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples epidemic impacting New Mexico.
Our Alamo Navajo relatives live in a remote area with one major highway connecting them to the outside world through Magdalena, N.M. A dirt road north of the community still awaits improvement and pavement after years of waiting. Council Delegate Norman Begay and I recognize how vital this project is for accessing essential services for the community. I’m committed to working with the local Alamo Chapter to see this completed to enhance its connectivity to the Navajo Nation.
The day was filled with community spirit. A vibrant 2-mile parade showcased cultural pride with traditional song and dance. The annual chainsaw cutting competition and other festivities highlighted the resourcefulness of the Alamo Navajo people, who make the most of available resources.
This year’s Indian Day carried a powerful theme: “Solidarity with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Women.” Our MMDR Liaison, Mrs. Yolanda Azua, joined the parade and community events, gathering reports and addressing the pressing needs associated with this crisis. The Nygren Administration continues to help families locate our missing relatives, bring forward justice, and support those deeply impacted.
I am grateful to Council Delegate Begay and Alamo Navajo for their big welcome and hospitality. During my visit, I saw the urgent need for enhanced public safety, access to clean water, and a new convenience store and laundromat.
The diversity of Alamo Navajo was evident along the parade route, reflecting the rich tapestry of the Navajo people — united by cultural values but unique in traditions. Celebrating Indian Day here, so close to Indigenous Peoples Day, reminds us of our strength as Native people. There’s no better place to honor that resilience of our people than here among our relatives in the most eastern part of the Navajo Nation.
