Welcome to Mission San Buenaventura de Cochití, a site rich in history and cultural significance located within the Pueblo de Cochiti in New Mexico. As you explore this area, you’ll be stepping into a story that dates back centuries, to a time when the Cochiti people, ancestors of the Ancestral Puebloans, made this land their home. The mission itself was established by Spanish settlers during the period of colonial expansion in the 17th century, a time marked by both collaboration and conflict.
Founded in the late 1600s, Mission San Buenaventura was part of Spain’s effort to extend its reach into the American Southwest. Spanish missionaries aimed to convert the Indigenous populations to Christianity, a process that often led to cultural clashes. Despite this, the Cochiti people have maintained their traditions, language, and cultural identity over the centuries. The mission was named in honor of Saint Bonaventure, a 13th-century Franciscan theologian.
One notable event in the mission’s history is the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Frustrated by Spanish oppression, including forced labor and religious conversion, the Pueblo peoples, including those from Cochiti, rose up and temporarily expelled the Spanish from the region. This revolt was a seminal moment in New Mexico’s history, highlighting the resilience and agency of the Indigenous peoples.
Throughout the years, the mission has evolved from being a center of religious instruction to a symbol of cultural resilience. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cochiti people. Each year on July 14, the Pueblo celebrates the feast day of San Buenaventura, blending historical Catholic traditions with Indigenous cultural practices.
The mission is part of the larger Cochiti Pueblo, which administers a vast area of reservation land. The Cochiti people are recognized for their distinctive pottery and traditional music, which continue to be an integral part of their cultural expression. Visitors to the Pueblo are reminded to respect tribal rules, as photography and recording are restricted to preserve the sanctity and privacy of the community.
As you continue your journey, remember that Mission San Buenaventura de Cochití is more than a historical site; it is a living community that honors its past while looking towards the future.
