Albuquerque, N.M., Approves Highway Through Sacred Indian Site Story-Date: 08:20 a.m. PST Sunday , November 9, 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------ Albuquerque, N.M., Approves Highway Through Sacred Indian Site By Karen Testerman, Indian Country Today, Rapid City, S.D. Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--Nov. 10--Is a road more important than a religion. This question was asked by the Petroglyph Monument Coalition and its supporters. Members of the Petroglyph Coalition traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend Congressional Hearings on S633 House Bill introduced by Sen. Pete Domenici R-N.M. which would allow a commuter highway to be built through an American Indian sacred site, and one of America's newest National Parks. The Coalition requested that Coalition Representatives and real estate developer John Black testify at the Congressional Hearings, but coalition representatives were denied permission to speak. Spokes person Laurie Weahkee said it was unfortunate that so few voices were heard during Sen. Domenici's hearing. "The testimonies cannot communicate the increasing large numbers of opponents to Paseo del Norte in Albuquerque. "We repeat our request to Sen. Domenici to hold local hearings in Albuquerque." Ms. Weahkee said. At the request of Sen. Domenici, the Albuquerque City Council passed a Bill supporting the Paseo del Norte road through the monument. The city council encouraged Congress to pass S633. Coalition representatives were surprised by the city's decision, they were surprised that the City Councilors did not address the sacred site concerns brought forth by the Coalition's representatives at the hearing. Coalition Organizer Eli II Yong Lee said it's shameful for Albuquerque's City Council to introduce a bill and pass it without the proper public notice the Petroglyph issue deserves. "Just as Senator Domenici is refusing to hold local hearings, the City Council is attempting to put Paseo through quietly, without input from the citizens of Albuquerque, " Mr. Lee, said. Ms. Weahkee said Sen. Ben Night Horse Campbell R-Colo., left the hearing when the American Indian representative for the Protection of the Petroglyphs was called to speak, and he didn't return. The hearings were conducted by the National Parks Historic Preservation and Recreation Subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Craig Thomas. Testimonies supporting the Paseo del Norte road through the Sacred Site were given by Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, Terry Cole of the Chamber of Commerce, Lorrance Weaver of the Paradise Hills Civic Organization and Dennis Foltz of the Middle Rio Grande Council of governments. Testimonies opposing the road were given by Representative for the Sandia Pueblo Bill Weahkee, Ike Eastvold of Friends of Albuquerque Petroglyphs and Robert Morris, who was the transportation specialist. Newly elected Mayor Baca testified against the extension. He said a road should not be built through a National Monument. Mayor Baca had told the American Indian community of Albuquerque that he would do everything within his power to stop the Paseo del Norte road from being built through the petroglyphs. Coalition Organizer Neri Holquin said the Petroglyphs are not only an issue within Albuquerque, she said it's a national issue too. "What does it say about Senator Domenici's commitment to New Mexico if the Congressional hearings proceed without the Petroglyph Monument Protection Coalition and John Black?" The struggle to protect the Petroglyph Monument has been an ongoing battle since 1994. Coalition members have been educating the general public about the importance of protecting the sacred site. They've also done their homework and found several reasons why the City of Albuquerque is so adamant on building the Paseo del Norte road. The Coalition sent out "John Black" Fact Sheets showing that the Paseo del Norte road would lead straight to Mr. Black's ranch. Mr. Black is the single largest land owner in the Albuquerque area. "The City of Albuquerque, and John Black, have always wanted Paseo del Norte extended through the Monument. "The Black Ranch Master Plan states, "Paseo del Norte will be the major link between the Black Ranch and the developed portion of the city of Albuquerque," Petroglyph Coalition. If the city-funded road is approved, the road would lead to the development of 19,000 houses and 40,000 residents. The Coalition is not alone in protecting the sacred site.The National Council of Churches, National Congress of American Indians, Church Women United and the Friends Committee on National Legislation have joined the Coalition. The Hopi Tribe sent a letter to Major Chavez informing him of the Hopi claim of cultural affiliation with the Petroglyph National Monument. The Oneida Indian Nation wrote a letter of support to the Coalition. The Isleta Pueblo and the Southern Pueblos Governors Council passed resolutions to preserve and protect the petroglyphs. The Congressional Hearings were open for testimony until Nov. 6. After the deadline, the Senate will vote on the Bill, if passed it will go in front of the House. If the House passes it, it will then go in front of President Clinton. He will have the choice of allowing it to become law or to veto the Bill. ----- Visit Indian Country Today on the World Wide Web at http://www.indiancountry.com/ ----- (c) 1997, Indian Country Today, Rapid City, S.D. Distributed by Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News. ------------------------------------------------------------