Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico

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Leadership

Arden Kucate, Governor
Cordelia Hooee, Lt. Governor
Anthony Sanchez Jr., Head Councilman
Shirley Bellson, Council Member
Virginia Chavez, Council Member
Ricky R. Penketewa Sr., Council Member
Birdena Sanchez, Council Member
Edward Wemytewa, Council Member

(updated February 2024)

Contact Information

Address: PO Box 339, 1203B State Hwy 53, Zuni, NM 87327

Phone: 505-782-7000

Program Manager, Zuni Wellness Center:

Carleton Albert Sr. carleton.albertsr@ashiwi.org

Education Director:

Bernadette Panteah bernadette.panteah@ashiwi.org

Website

GOVERNANCE: The Pueblo of Zuni are governed by a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and six council members. Council members serve staggered four-year terms, and meet monthly. The Pueblo of Zuni is in Congressional District 1; Legislative District 7.


CONSTITUTION:

 

PERSPECTIVE ON RESEARCH:


COMMUNITY PROFILE: Europeans first discovered Zuni territory in the 1500s. In 1680, Pueblos (including Zuni) in New Mexico planned and revolted against Spanish domination. After attacking and burning a Spanish Mission, the population of all Zuni villages sought refuge on the sacred mountain (Corn Mesa) until 1692. After the Spanish made peace with the Zuni, the people settled in what is now present-day Zuni Pueblo. The main Reservation is 450,000 acres 150 miles west of Albuquerque. The tribe also has land in Catron County, New Mexico, and Apache County, Arizona. 

The Zuni have established programs to promote the unique spoken-only Zuni language into a written language form. According to the Census, approximately 84 percent of the Tribe speaks the Zuni language.

The Zuni Pueblo is an artist colony, with the main industry being inlay silverwork, stone fetish carving, pottery, and other artwork. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2017-2021 American Community Survey, the population of the Pueblo of Zuni Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land is 8,445. The following document provides a Census snapshot of the Pueblo of Zuni with comparisons to the state of Arizona and the United States as a whole. 

 

Note: when interpreting data for small populations or rural areas, it is important to note the margin of error, which is provided where possible. The margin of error can be interpreted as providing a 90 percent probability that the true value lies within the estimate plus and minus the margin of error. 

See below for a few select health and community resources on the Pueblo of Zuni Reservation.