Biography

Hello! My name is Angelica Calabaza. I am 17 years old and proud to claim Santo Domingo Pueblo as my home. I am currently a senior at the Santa Fe Indian School and take part in Keres Language Club. I live with my mother, Vema Calabaza, and seven siblings; including one nephew. My family has always been my strength to carry myself to a higher education. Their non-stop support has inspired me to reach whatever goals I have desired or plan to achieve. Living with my family also brings determination because I want to strive to become a positive role model for my younger brothers and sisters. Having someone to look up to is hard to find because there are numerous ways that one can achieve his or her own goals.

Existing under one roof has shown and taught me how to care and respect everyone around me. Whenever my siblings need help, I am always willing to stop whatever it is that I am doing and assist them in any way possible. Even if I don't provide the right answer or the right opinion, I know that I at least tried to make it easier. Creating a strong bond with my family is very important and honorable. It is who I am as an individual and who I am as a member of my tribe.

This is the reason why I chose to help promote the Keres Language Club at the Santa Fe Indian School. Preserving the native tongue is very important because it is who an individual is and how they carry themselves. Without the language, there would be no unique culture or pueblo. Helping the younger generation understand and speak the language is the bond to which the tribe depends on. The more helping hands, the stronger the grip the community has on the language.