Despite earlier rumors of complete dissolution, the All Indian Pueblo Council in New Mexico announced Thursday the nonprofit faction of the organization will be dismantled. The advocacy group's governing body will remain intact.
The 400-year-old council represents 19 pueblos in Northern New Mexico and one in south Texas.
Rumors of the council’s disbanding began late Wednesday night after a Facebook post on the group’s page announced the organization had been dissolved by current leadership. The post and the page have since been removed.
“It’s a sad day in Pueblo Country,” the post stated. “As of today the All Indian Pueblo Council is no longer!! 400+ years of tribal leadership has been dissolved by the current leadership.”
via Facebook
A copy of the post made by the All Indian Pueblo Council page on Facebook. The page, and the post, have been deleted.
Council members have been tight-lipped about the move for much of Thursday, but stated in a press release the organization is just restructuring.
As part of the new structure, the council elected Philip A. Perez of Nambe Pueblo and Myron Armijo of Santa Ana Pueblo to act as co-chairs to provide ongoing leadership for the group.
The press release also maintains the impact of the decision will not affect any of the council’s business operations, including the Santa Fe Indian School and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
The council was established in 1598, and served as the political voice for the state’s Pueblo people. In modern times, the group has been a strong supporter of improving education.
The New Mexico Office of the State Historian has a history of the council.
Updated 7/18/2013 at 4:05 p.m.