Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, also Tigua Pueblo, is a Native American Pueblo and federally recognized tribe in the Ysleta section of El Paso, Texas. Its members are Southern Tiwa people who had been displaced from Spanish New Mexico from 1680 to 1681 during the Pueblo Revolt against the Spaniards.
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
Tiqua
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
Tribal council
E. Michael Silvas
Adam Torres
Jose Sierra Sr.
400+
The people and language are called Tigua (pronounced tiwa). They have maintained a tribal identity and lands in Texas.[3] Spanish mostly replaced the indigenous language in the early 1900s, and today, English is increasingly gaining ground in the community. Today there are efforts to revive the indigenous language.[4]
They are one of three federally recognized tribes in Texas.[5]
Tribal government[edit]
As of 2022, E. Michael Silvas is the governor of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.[1] The 2021 Tribal Council consists of Sheriff Bernardo Gonzales, Councilman Rudy Cruz Jr., Councilman Rafael Gomez Jr., Governor E. Michael Silvas, Cacique Jose Sierra Sr., Lt. Governor Adam Torres, War Captain Javier Loera, Councilman Raul Candelaria, and Councilman Andrew Torrez.[1]
In 2020, the tribal government employed 293 individuals, of which 58 percent were tribal citizens.[6]
History[edit]
17th century[edit]
The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is a U.S. federally recognized Native American tribe and sovereign nation. The tribal community known as Tigua established Ysleta del Sur in 1682. After leaving the homelands of Quarai Pueblo due to drought the Tigua sought refuge at Isleta Pueblo and were later captured by the Spanish during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt and forced to walk south for over 400 miles.
The Tigua settled and built the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and soon after built the acequia (canal) system that sustained a thriving agricultural-based community. The tribe's early economic and farming efforts helped pave the way for the development of the region.[9]