In this episode of Tales from Aztlantis, Kurly Tlapoyawa and Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl examine the politics of erasing Indigenous history from the American landscape. Inspired by Donald Trump’s attempt to cross out “Mexico” on a map of New Mexico, Kurly explores the fascinating history behind the state’s name.
New Mexico wasn't named after the modern nation-state of Mexico. Its name predates Mexican independence and traces its origins to the Mexica capital of Mexico-Tenochtitlan and Spanish colonial accounts of a mysterious northern homeland. Drawing on the writings of seventeenth-century Nahua historian Domingo de San Antón Muñón Chimalpahin, the hosts explore the Nahuatl phrase Yanquique Mexico and the Indigenous historical records documenting colonial expansion.
The conversation also examines efforts to replace Indigenous place names like Denali and Ontario, asking who gets to name the land and whose history deserves to remain on the map.
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Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa
Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.
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