Testament and Guiding Principles

for the Historic Preservation and Development of St. Catherine's Indian School

A living testament and guiding principles is developed to guide the St. Catherine’s Project forward in a manner that recognizes and honors the unique relational history between the physical site of St. Catherine’s Indian School and the students, their families and the communities that were impacted by the school’s existence for over a century in New Mexico.

I. The following is a proposed mission statement for the project:

  • To honor the legacy, life’s work and vision of Saint Katharine Drexel.
  • To honor the former students and staff of St. Catherine’s Indian School.
  • To preserve and enhance the original historical structures of the campus of St. Catherine’s Indian School as a testament to and enduring legacy of Native American people and the impact of St. Catherine’s Indian School on their families and communities.

II. Articulation of Lived Experiences of the Impact of St. Catherine’s on the Lives of Indian People

On August 16, 2024, a group of prominent and well-respected alumni Tribal community members gathered at St. Catherine’s Indian School to share their vision and lived experiences regarding St. Catherine’s. The gathering was at the invitation of Mr. Ed Romero, the Executive Director of SFCHA. The voices of these distinguished and honorable Tribal members reflect a compelling story and affinity not only for the legacy of Saint Katharine Drexel but also the importance of preserving the positive influence St. Catherine’s had on generations of lndian people. This oral history highlighted the merging of both traditional Indian beliefs and the Catholic faith of Saint Katherine Drexel. The spirit and heart of the stories shared by these distinguished people is the foundation upon which the St. Catherine’s Project will proceed.

Several key themes arose from the shared lived experiences and wisdom, as follows:

  1. A multitude of Indian families and people over several generations were served by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Catherine’s. Parents and grandparents desired for their children to attend St. Catherine’s so that the hearts and minds of their children would be nurtured by the vision of Saint Katharine Drexel. Such affinity and loyalty is based upon the love and respect people experienced by those whose lives were touched by St. Catherine’s and by the love and devotion to Saint Katharine Drexel and her vision.
  2. Saint Katharine had a profound impact on the people who worked at St. Catherine’s and positively influenced the lives of many Indian people.
  3. Despite the low-cost tuition, families chose to make immense sacrifices to have their children attend St. Catherine’s.
  4. The experiences and lessons taught at St. Catherine’s highlighted the importance of education, art, athletics, discipline, industry, Catholic faith and respect for others.
  5. The inter-familial relations developed at St. Catherine’s led to lasting friendships, marriages, and deep respect towards others as reflected in the memories and stories expressed for the affinity of St. Catherine’s and what it represented to the many lives it touched in New Mexico and beyond.
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