The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) announced last Wednesday (Dec. 18) that the 2024 Indigenous Language Grant will be awarded to Picuris Pueblo. A ceremony to celebrate the award took place Dec. 20, at the Picuris Pueblo gymnasium.
The grant of $21,500 will fund a Picuris Pueblo Education Department project to establish an early childhood education service for tribal members. As part of this initiative, the department will develop a Tiwa language acquisition curriculum to teach the Picuris dialect of Tiwa, currently classified as endangered.
The Indigenous Language Grant
Established in 2023, the Indigenous Language Grant provides funding for projects that promote, preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages in Río Arriba, Taos, and Santa Fe counties. Eligible applicants include tribal governments, tribal-affiliated schools and cultural organizations. Grants of up to $21,500 support initiatives such as language-learning materials, digital tools, immersion programs and community workshops. To date, three grants have been awarded.
The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area
The NRGNHA is committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the culture, heritage and environment of Northern New Mexico. Through community outreach, grant programs and cultural education, the NRGNHA works to advance economic growth, foster awareness of the region’s rich history and support sustainable development.
With fewer than 50 fluent speakers, most of whom are tribal elders, the preservation of the Picuris dialect is critical to maintaining the cultural identity of the Pueblo. Early language acquisition is key to ensuring its survival, as young children are uniquely adept at learning languages. This initiative aims to pass the Tiwa language to the next generation, instill cultural pride and secure the Pueblo’s heritage for the future.
This year’s grant is awarded in honor and memory of Violet Michele Xolpaxwii Shields, a Picuris Pueblo descendant who passed away Sept. 17 at the age of 14 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Violet, the daughter of Dewey Shields, a Picuris Pueblo member, and Feliza Shields, originally from Santa Fe, was a talented and vibrant individual. Her life was filled with artistry, including her role as Malinche in the 2017 Matachines dances at Picuris and her accomplishments as a Flamenco and a Hawaiian dancer. Her family expresses gratitude to her caregivers and encourages communities to support children battling cancer and their families.
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