Ancient Walatowa Village, Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico
The Pueblo of Jemez (Walatowa) is located in what is now northern New Mexico, about 55 miles northwest of Albuquerque. Walatowa is situated on 89,000 acres of land, sustaining agriculture on 2,000 of those acres through acequia irrigation. The lower lands are home to pinon and juniper, with mixed conifers above 7,000 feet. Outside of the current legal boundaries of the pueblo, their traditional territory is vast, including the Valles Caldera and the surrounding Jemez mountains. The people of Walatowa are known for committed preservation of their language and traditions.
The Village was suffering from the effects of degradation of its historic urban fabric due to lack of redevelopment, youth moving to the cities, and most recently flooding brought on by nearby fires. To address these challenges, the Pueblo of Jemez Planning and Development Department brought in Blue Star Integrative Studio and Sustainable Nations to assess existing storm water management issues within the Inner Village Study Area, and produce a report on low-impact, culturally appropriate solutions for consideration. Blue Star Integrative Studio met with the Pueblo of Jemez, and toured the lands to evaluate options. When discussing potential low-impact options and approaches, Blue Star Integrative Studio's was met with a positive response.
The Village was suffering from the effects of degradation of its historic urban fabric due to lack of redevelopment, youth moving to the cities, and most recently flooding brought on by nearby fires. To address these challenges, the Pueblo of Jemez Planning and Development Department brought in Blue Star Integrative Studio and Sustainable Nations to assess existing storm water management issues within the Inner Village Study Area, and produce a report on low-impact, culturally appropriate solutions for consideration. Blue Star Integrative Studio met with the Pueblo of Jemez, and toured the lands to evaluate options. When discussing potential low-impact options and approaches, Blue Star Integrative Studio's was met with a positive response.
