During their Nov. 8 meeting, the Board of Trustees of the San Joaquín del Río del Chama Land Grant/Merced announced a landmark appointment, selecting a mayordomo for the first time in more than 100 years.
The appointment of Edward Salazar signifies a major step in the community’s continued efforts to assert its legal and historical authority over the management of critical forest management, water resources and acequia infrastructure that sustains the area.
Dating back to its original Spanish colonial grant established in 1806, the San Joaquín del Río del Chama Land Grant is a recognized political subdivision of the State of New Mexico and operates under the provisions of Chapter 49, Article 1 NMSA 1978 of the New Mexico statutes. The governing body, the Board of Trustees, is re-establishing the role of the mayordomo to strengthen traditional governance, a move that is celebrated by their heirs and many residents.
The mayordomo (or ditch boss) is a figure in New Mexico’s centuries-old acequia system and is tasked with:
• Overseeing the acequias: Directing the maintenance, repair and proper function of the acequia madre (mother ditch) and related lateral ditches.
• Managing water distribution: Ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of water to community members (parciantes) based on established custom, water sharing agreements and law.
• Enforcing rules: Upholding the rules and traditions of the acequia system within the land grant boundaries.
Community
Impact
“This appointment is not just about a job; it’s about re-establishing our community’s sovereignty over the water that has sustained us for centuries,” President Leonard Martinez said. “By reinstating the mayordomo, we are taking direct responsibility for our acequias and our future.”
Salazar is an heir, rancher and lifelong resident of Cañones and a parciante.
“It is a profound honor to serve my merced in this capacity,” he said. “Land grants continue to face many challenges and I am committed to working with the Trustees and all water users to ensure our acequias are protected for generations to come.”
Looking Ahead
This action is in concert with the Merced’s Cañon de Chama Irrigation Infrastructure project that will return agriculture to the area. This project underscores its commitment to self-governance and the preservation of its cultural and historical heritage in the Cañon de Chama. The Board will hold a meeting at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Merced Headquarters, 2124 NM-96, Gallina, N.M., to formally introduce the mayordomo and discuss immediate goals.