Parks and Recreation Department Statement on 4-H Park

Today, Dave Simon, Director of the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department released the following statement in regards to 4-H Park, located in the NW quadrant of the city:

“We have been made aware of a missing plaque at 4-H Park, which denoted the area as a final resting site for students from the Albuquerque Indian School. The plaque was not removed by the City.  A public art piece and second plaque remain in place at the park that also references the history of the site. Our department, along with the City’s Native American Liaisons, will now be working with leaders from the tribes and pueblos, the City of Albuquerque Commission on American Indian and Alaska Native Affairs (CAIANA) and historical experts, to determine what steps should be taken next.

As we continue to work with the respective leaders on this issue, we urge the public to respect the cultural and spiritual significance of this site.”

Background:

4-H Park was acquired by the City sometime in the early 1970’s. The plaque denoted this area as the final resting place for students from the Albuquerque Indian School, specifically mentioning ‘Zuni, Apache and Navajo’ students. At this time, it is unclear to current staff when the missing plaque was placed, by whom, or if any pueblos or tribes were consulted about the plaque. A public art installation in the park and a second plaque remain intact at the park and references the history of this site. The City did work with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the All Indian Pueblo Council when the art installation was placed in the park in the 1990’s.