Return of Oñate's Foot

Cultural Shift

The removal of Juan de Oñate's statues marked a significant cultural shift in New Mexico. Stan Alcorn describes the scene as a joyful celebration, with activists from The Red Nation organizing a ritual that included speeches, dancing, and drumming 1. The removal was not without tension, as right-wing militia presence and fears of violence loomed over the events 2. Roman Mars reflects on the decision to preemptively remove the statues to avoid conflict, noting, "They were trying to make it a safer situation by not having this controversial figure at this moment." 2

   

Protest Chaos

The protests surrounding the Oñate statues escalated into chaos, culminating in a shooting incident. Tweety Swazzo, a long-time opponent of the statues, expressed concern over the transition from peaceful protest to direct action, particularly with the presence of armed militia 3. The situation intensified when a protester began chipping at the statue, leading to a violent confrontation where a former city council candidate, Stephen Baca, shot an artist and protester, Scott Williams 3. Stan Alcorn recounts the chaotic scene, noting, "It starts out with people who are climbing on the statue... and in the chaos, he pulls out a gun and he fires several shots." 3

   

Symbolic Foot

The mystery of the stolen foot from the original Oñate statue resurfaced during the protests, adding a layer of symbolism to the events. Chris Eyre, a well-known Native American filmmaker, encountered a man claiming to be part of the group that stole the foot, presenting it as evidence 4. This act was not intended as activism but as a historical statement about Oñate's brutal legacy 4. Stan Alcorn5.