ABOUT US
The world “Acoma” and related words which are equally correct and historically applicable- Akome, Acu, Acuo and Ako- denote “a place always prepared.”

There is a great difference of opinion as to the age of the Acoma Nation. While traditional Acoma oral history reflects on a time far beyond our imagination, a time of creation and emergence onto this world, the Acoma people have always known of a special place called “Haaku,” a spiritual homeland prepared for their eternal settlement. Recent excavations on Acoma Mesa tend to suggest that Acoma was inhabited before the time of Christ. Archaeologists agree that it has been continuously occupied from at least A.D 1200. Acomas claim always to have lived on their mesa, hospitably receiving wandering tribes to share their valley which, at one time, had plenty of water and was excellent for farming.

MODERN ACOMA

Today, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the story of Acoma continues to unfold. While San Esteban Del Rey Mission- its long history and continued revitalization- is an important part of the Acoma legacy, it is but one chapter. The fact that architecture constructed of the earth with the bare hands of their fore bearers has survived for more than 370 years is in and of itself, quite remarkable. Its survival has not been due to chance, rather to the ongoing efforts of many generations of the Acoma people. Since its construction, the perpetual maintenance of San Esteban Del Rey has been the primary responsibility of the Gaugashti, Acoma men designated “the church caretakers.” The Gaugashti are highly respected by the tribal membership, as their role requires life-long commitment and extraordinary responsibility of maintaining a structure of such eminent cultural and historic value to the Acoma people.

What is perhaps even more remarkable than the preservation of an architectural structure is the revitalization of the people and the culture responsible for its very existence.

The people of modern Acoma, with the establishment of the Pueblo of Acoma Historic Preservation Office, combined with the implementation of the Acoma Language Retention Project and the Acoma Higher Education Program, embrace the present and look hopefully toward the challenges of the future even as they continue to honor their traditions.

CULTURE PRESERVATION EFFORTS
It has been foretold to the People that a place was prepared for them—a place to settle, to call home, and where all their needs would be met. That place was called Haak’u.

The journey of the Acoma people did not end with their arrival at present day Acoma; it is a living journey shaped by each generation and their relationship with the world around them. Preserving language and culture remains central to this journey, requiring reflection, emotion, and action.

As Native languages rapidly declined nationwide, Acoma leaders recognized a similar loss among their people. In response, the Pueblo of Acoma established the Acoma Language Retention Program in 1999 to address the shift away from Acoma Keres. That same year, the Acoma Historic Preservation Office was created to protect cultural traditions, skills, and history.

Through these efforts, the Pueblo of Acoma made preserving language, culture, and history a priority—especially for its youth—ensuring that Acoma traditions endure for future generations.

TRIBAL MEMBERS
The Pueblo of Acoma has approximately 5,000 to over 6,000 enrolled tribal members. While about 3,000 people reside on the reservation, the total membership includes those living both on and off the reservation. The community is known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the U.S.