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Sandoval County proclaims November Native American Heritage Month, honors Mateo Romero and Jason Valencia
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Summary
The Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month and recognized artists Mateo Romero (Pueblo of Cochiti) and Jason Valencia (Pueblo of San Felipe) for work showcased at a county exhibit. Tribal leaders and artists addressed the commission and accepted the honor.
The Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 12 proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month and honored artists Mateo Romero (Pueblo of Cochiti) and Jason Valencia (Pueblo of San Felipe).
Commissioner Catherine Brook presented the proclamation, noting Sandoval County hosts multiple sovereign nations and that the county sought to "honor tribal sovereignty" and celebrate indigenous cultural contributions. Brook said the county sponsored the recognition and praised earlier events and a reception for the artists.
Artist Jason Valencia thanked the commission for the recognition and described his practice as a self-taught painter who has worked steadily since 2014. Pueblo of San Felipe Governor Anthony Ortiz said the recognition "means a lot" and called for continued partnership between tribes and county officials to address community needs.
The proclamation text acknowledged the County—s many Pueblo communities and listed several by name, and it named Romero and Valencia for their artistic work and public visibility. Commissioners and tribal representatives posed for photographs after the presentation. The item proceeded as a ceremonial recognition and did not include subsequent policy action.
The commission also encouraged civic engagement around tribal cultural events and highlighted tribal feast days and community outreach programs mentioned during introductions.
