Community Leaders Gather for Centennial Reception

On June 23, 2009, about eighty mayors, legislators, county commissioners, tribal leaders and cabinet secretaries gathered in Albuquerque to learn more about planning efforts for Centennial commemoration activities.  Lt. Governor Diane Denish addressed the group, acknowledging the upcoming 2012 Centennial as a once-in-a-lifetime tourism, public relations, and storytelling opportunity.  Cabinet Secretaries Stuart Ashman (Cultural Affairs), Mike Cerletti (Tourism), and Alvin Warren (Indian Affairs) delivered remarks, along with State Historian Estevan-Rael Galvez.

The Centennial is an opportunity for communities across New Mexico to tell their stories, examine the past, and envision the future.  To date, Centennial planners have assisted thirteen legacy projects across the state, provided new sets of regional history books to every state library, and created a website to inform New Mexico residents, businesses, and tourism offices of Centennial-related efforts.  State agencies are now planning a number of projects that will honor artists, connect  libraries, highlight treasures, recognize elders and most importantly, tell the stories that have made New Mexico a state unlike any other – one of extraordinary beauty, with rich, diverse cultures that continue to preserve important traditions. 

Centennial planners now invite tribes and community organizations statewide to start planning their own activities – and keep the Centennial Office informed about them.  With the help of the Tourism Department, an online calendar will soon connect all corners of the state, to help alert tourists and residents alike of Centennial events and commemorations.   A planning form is also online, or available from the Centennial Office.  Submitting the form helps the Centennial Office keep track of projects, and puts them under consideration for inclusion in an overall plan to be shared with legislators in January 2010.

Photos:

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish addresses the gathering

Secretary Alvin Warren of the Department of Indian Affairs addressed the audience

Some eighty community leaders and government officials, from all parts of the state, attended the event: