Women don't Need to Vote: A Tigua Tribe Member Explains How they Get their Say

Photo cc:  Chad Horwedel

There's been lots of controversy in El Paso recently about the re-opening of a casino owned by the Tiguas.

Female legislators discovered the women of the tribe did not vote for their leaders, and the reps didn't feel so good about doing business with a tribe where women don't have equal rights--or let's say, what we perceive to be equal rights. They had some closed door meetings with Tigua women that apparently convinced them that this conventional disenfranchisement was okay, then they held public hearings.

The Director of Economic Development, Patricia Riggs provided testimony about women's roles which is excerpted below:

"As a Tigua women, it is my obligation to educate and develop myself in a manner where I can provide for and meet the needs of my people.  That is my purpose.  I have come to realize that my purpose is greater than myself.  This greater purpose is to work for what the tribe needs to preserve is the tribe’s beliefs, system, economy and sovereignty.  Yet my work has afforded me the  pride, accomplishments,.and recogniation that one needs for self identity.

However, for many Tigua women, their purpose is not the same as mine.  Many women at the Pueblo are advisors to the community,  mediators, preparers of the feasts and keepers of traditional roles of women in the community. 

.....Unlike (or like) other societies, at Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, all people feel a connection to each other and the tribe.  I am a contributor and a participator in many areas of the Pueblo.  My role as a Pueblo administrator is wide ranging and includes cultural, traditional, preservation, administrative, economic concerns and subect matter.

If and when...because we anticipate that will take place when the time is right...women vote, I will be a leader and participator in that process.  However, until that time is here and right for the Pueblo, I do not feel disenfranchised.  I am an opinionated, strong educated leader that is grateful for my role in my community.  I also feel that the system and community roles at Ysleta del Sur Pueblo has permitted the very survival and existence of the tribe for over 400 years.   The tribe is often misunderstood, misconstrued, treated in a hostile manner and or just plain ignored, but through will and tenacity we have continued to thrive...

When outsiders hear that women do not vote (in the manner that other societies vote) unfortunately, all they hear is that they do not vote.  Nevertheless, I have a voice at YDSP, I make law and policy.  I play a major role in paramount adminstrative decisions and at the same time, participate at traditional Pueblo junta where women recommend that certain acts or persons (men) be recalled due to conflicts or conduct not in keeping with the Pueblo’s ways.  These juntas are also means of gathering and building consensus on issues vital to the Pueblo, this is a forum for Pueblo democracy where Tigua women participate.  It is a built in systemic feature.  Women are also active in dispute resolution for the community.

The existence of these tribal laws and systems are oral, but nonetheless law, and the processes for the Pueblo to provide the balance that people external to the tribe may not see or understand.  For the Pueblo, separation of powers comes in many forms other than that of a preconceived idea of democracy.  The manner in which the Pueblo balances its powers is an expression and exercise of their Tribal Sovereignty. .....

. .....Time may change processes, and systems for the Pueblo, but the Pueblo will determine how and when it is best to deal with these changes.  That is our Sovereign Right."

Addendum:  Ms. Riggs refused to do an interview saying she was tired of being asked about this and her remarks were in the public record.

Her argument seems to be that women do not need the vote, yet she mentions the possibility that the Tribe might consider it one day, so maybe it's like an accessory.

It seems that the women who addressed the legislators were part of the tribe's adminstration, it would interesting to know if the women without any executive power in the Tribe agree:  do they think it's okay not to vote?  Do they want a casino on tribal lands again?