Presidential Address: Education and Indigenous Slavery in New Mexico

Indigenous slavery was a critical aspect of New Mexican life and culture during the Spanish, Mexican, and early American (Territorial) periods. Aside from the labor and military support provided by indigenous slaves for the expansion of the province, the genetic contribution to the population growth was enormous. Ramón Gutiérrez (1991) speculates that by 1776, at least a third of the entire population of the province was comprised of Genizaros and their descendants. The information presented in this essay demonstrates that although little to no direct evidence exists of any formal or informal education in regard to indigenous slaves could be located, they possessed a sophisticated level of education and a deep understanding of the epistemological world of the Spanish priests. Moreover, they demonstrated an understanding of the cultural, historical, political, and social context of their new environment. Finally, they successfully marshalled their knowledge toward the promotion of their interests, both collectively and individually throughout the Spanish, Mexican, and into the American period in New Mexico.