Pueblo of Acoma Celebrates Earth Day

ACOMA PUEBLO – April 22, 1970 was the inauguration of Earth Day that was celebrated at schools and community centers all over the country. Inspired by Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, average citizens began to become concerned about the effect pollution was having on the environment they inhabited. Grassroots environmental groups that addressed the question of pollution began to form. Today, Earth Day is celebrated all across the globe and at the Pueblo of Acoma. On Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm a collection of different organizations came together under the roof of the Acoma Community Center to share information and to educate the public about ways they can improve their community and consequently, improve their life and the planet.

Myron Sheche, a fire prevention and mitigation specialist with the Southern Pueblos Agency based in Albuquerque, said, “We’re here to teach about recycling and how not to pollute the planet.” Smokey the Bear was on hand to meet and greet visitors and share fire safety tips. Behavioral Health from the Pueblo of Acoma offered resources to people in and out of crisis who might need support on a regular basis. They offer support groups, mental health assessments, individual, couples, family therapy, gambling addiction support, and can offer referrals for acupuncture and massage.

Acoma Head Start, the US Forest Service, Acoma Facilities, Southern Pueblos Agency, the Acoma Learning Center at the library with arts and crafts for kids all turned out for the Earth Day celebration. One of the most critical stations at the event was the Acoma Food Distribution Program run by Connie Martinez. In this program any family or individual can receive a monthly food box to supplement their food supply. According to Certification Specialist, Lorie Vicente, “Individual families apply for the program. Anyone with a CIB (certificate of Indian blood) who meets the income requirements is eligible. You can walk out with a box of food on the day the application is submitted if you meet the criteria.” The food program serves the following areas: Acoma and Laguna Pueblos, Bibo, Cubero, Grants, Milan, San Fidel, San Rafael, and Seboyeta. Applications for the Pueblo of Acoma Food Distribution Program are available at their warehouse or online at www.puebloofacoma.org. The office number is 505552-5108.