Caja del Rio Is Valuable Ecologically, Biologically, Spiritually, and Economically.

By Dr. Anthony Dorame from the Pueblo of Tesuque, the founder of the Indigenous Education Network.

The Caja del Rio is a very significant place to all of us in northern New Mexico, which, just like us, the people, is a multitude of views, opinions, and backgrounds. This convergence of cultures and diversity is what makes this place unique. 

Caja, if I have to describe it, is a braid with many strands that each community, race, and generation has contributed to. That braid is valuable ecologically, biologically, spiritually, and economically. 

Biologically speaking, the ecosystem provides habitat for many endangered species, and culturally speaking, it's a very rich and significant place not only to the Pueblo peoples—-to which it is a sanctuary and a place we have a deep connection—but to everyone who understands its value and utilizes it. 

Our people lived off the land, and we have been stewards of the land since time immemorial. My culture, the Pueblo Indians, were experienced hydrologists and initially began utilizing gardens that existed on the hilltops of the Mesa tops. Before the acequia system was implemented, with the evolution of time, there was a series of dams, swales, and catchment ponds that stored the water and delivered it to the necessary areas. 

This system has benefited us as Pueblo people because it enables us to continue our tradition of farming when water rights are an issue or when the abundance of water is lacking. 

Caja del Rio is situated between the Rio Grande and Santa Fe Rivers. We still use Rio Grande today in many ways, including fly fishing and educating and connecting our young people to the landscape. I founded the Indigenous Education Network to build community leaders utilizing those most precious and valuable resources we often overlook. 

The Rio has become my classroom! I regularly take my students to the Rio, Mesa, or Petroglyph sites so they can learn about our history and experience its beauty, so they develop a love for the stewardship of the Rio and everything that goes along with it. 

As the original stewards of this beautiful landscape, our cultural obligation is to teach the youth and visitors about its significance so future generations can enjoy and learn too about this incredible place.