HISTORIC LAND PURCHASE IN NEW MEXICO
Restores Land Stewardship to Indigenous People
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (August 1, 2007) – HAMAATSA, a New Mexico indigenous
learning center and eco-retreat, closed on their land purchase today. This 320 acres of
undisturbed, environmentally protected land is located between Albuquerque and
Santa Fe and was sold by the New Mexico Nature Conservancy. The property, once
owned by the Ball Family of Ball glass canning jars fame, was part of the Ortiz
Mountain Ranch. After the death of Edmund Ball, the ranch, including this pristine
half-section parcel, was donated to the Nature Conservancy. “Because this particular
property is aboriginal land, it is an ideal site and match for Hamaatsa’s mission for
restoration of indigenous life-ways and land stewardship.” says, Pueblo Indian,
founder and director, Larry Littlebird.
HAMAATSA received critical funding from several philanthropists to fulfill this
historic land purchase. AEPOCH, who contributed significant grants toward the
purchase, hopes their efforts will “inspire others to step up and support this timely, farsighted, indigenous work.” Additional generous contributions came from the Wild
Rose Fund, the Seeds Gift Fund of the Boulder Community Foundation, Hope Mauran,
of Connecticut, Ann Down, of Idaho, Linda and Phil Andryc, of Connecticut, and David
Cranfill, of Indiana.
The board and staff of Hamaatsa, would like to express their deep gratitude to all the
wonderful folks who have come alongside this indigenous vision for land and people and
who were moved to support this effort.
HAMAATSA, is an indigenous learning center and eco-retreat committed to spiritual
wholeness, cultural revitalization, ecological awareness and sustainable living. Their
mission is to develop and promote “servant leadership” models applying knowledge
and healing systems from traditional cultures that revive indigenous life-ways and land
stewardship principles for restoring our world, one family at a time.
HAMAATSA is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization, governed by a seven member Board
of Directors, with a Native American majority.
For more information about Hamaatsa, please visit: www.hamaatsa.org
Contact:
Deborah Littlebird, Hamaatsa Executive Director
505.899.6028, littlebird@myexcel.com