For several years, Albuquerque has been the adopted home of the Southwest Popular/American Culture Association’s annual conference. As such, we wish to recognize that the city of Albuquerque is located on the traditional, unceded homelands of the Pueblos of Sandia and Isleta and the Tiwa-speaking Peoples, as well as the current home of a vibrant inter-tribal community. We acknowledge the historical and contemporary presence and experiences of the original communities of New Mexico–the Pueblo peoples, the Navajo Nation, and the Apache Nations. We especially acknowledge the cultural, political, and social continuities of Indigenous Peoples in the midst of the impact of traumatic histories and on-going struggles.

As we gather to celebrate and investigate popular and American culture, we must recognize the important contributions to both the stewardship of this land for generations innumerable and to the media, narratives, philosophies, and other cultural elements we will discuss as we come together each February.