A Journey of Identity, Culture, and Artistry through the Eyes of Santiago Romero

“I Was an Urban Indian, But Not Just an Urban Indian”

In the vast tapestry of life, Santiago Romero’s narrative emerges as a distinct thread—a narrative interwoven with identity, heritage, and a journey that transcends cultural boundaries. The journey begins in the vibrant landscape of Cochiti Pueblo, where Romero navigated the intricate maze of his diverse heritage. The vivid recollections he shares in conversation with Del Curfman provide a unique glimpse into a life colored by adaptation, resilience, and the pursuit of authentic selfhood.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Santiago Romero found himself immersed in a mélange of cultures, a testament to the city’s remarkable diversity. The city’s dynamic neighborhoods were, in a sense, microcosms of the world, each representing a unique blend of people, languages, and traditions. For Romero, this was both a blessing and a challenge. “I was an urban Indian, but not just an urban Indian,” he reflects, offering a glimpse into the complexity of his identity. This distinction reflects his ability to not only navigate these diverse communities but to fully engage with them, adapting seamlessly to different contexts.

The cultural spectrum Romero encountered was vast, spanning from Hispanic and Mexican to African American, Jewish, Anglo, and more. Each corner of his urban upbringing was an opportunity to immerse himself in a different facet of society, to understand the intricacies of people’s lives, and to develop a profound empathy for their experiences. The impressions left on him during his formative years were indelible, the contrasts stark and often humbling. Romero recalls a moment of awe when he first visited a friend’s lavish Los Angeles home—a scene of opulence that contrasted sharply with the more modest lifestyle he knew. The dichotomy between his world and that of others triggered a sense of introspection, “Wow, this is how people live. I don’t live like this,” he contemplated, underscoring the reality of his experience as an urban Indian.

“Universally, it was just playing outside. A lot of the kids on my block that were Hispanic or Mexican or African American, we all had this idea that we were living in the same area. I think it was Venice first, then Culver City, and then I ended up in Englewood through high school. But I was bussed into these private schools at an early age as well, so there was another level of adaptation that had to occur. “

“I think you’re given a certain amount of pressure in life to succeed, but so much of my life in the beginning was saturated with survival in a different plane of existence. It may not have been hard to get water or go participate. It was trying to maneuver myself through a new lens of different culture and a massive amount. “

“Los Angeles has always been a melting pot of culture, and I think for a really long time I thought I was African American or Mexican. I didn’t know. The only other person I really had was my sister. I always knew I was Native American, and I would go back every summer and I would participate, and those added up throughout the years. But I think it was probably in high school where I figured out that I was just the only Native American person there other than my sister and my mother. They were even considered different, for that matter. My mom was always different. Very athletic, highly athletic, very effective in her means to get what she wanted. She left her family and the village and somehow started carving out a lifestyle for us. I think the best that she could put us in, sports, made us also learn and tune in our way of communicating with other people. That was a big thing, playing with other kids. I quickly got into dancing with other kids, and I just remember the only people I would really ever see were Powwow Indians, and I would get to play with those kids, but it was always very rare. I think there was a stigma of her leaving and not having participated enough or not being there on the reservation her whole life. She’s never gone back. I think to her it was a big feat to leave. There were traumatic experiences having grown up there, and she wanted nothing to do with that.”

Yet, even within this diverse urban landscape, Romero was acutely aware of the privilege he held. He acknowledged that his upbringing in Los Angeles was more prosperous than that of many reservation Indians. This awareness provided a lens through which he could contextualize his experiences. It also fostered an acute sensitivity to the disparities that existed not just within his community but across broader society. The urban Native American experience, as Romero poignantly articulates, encompasses a multi-faceted reality, blending elements of diverse cultures and histories. This intricate amalgamation would become a defining aspect of his journey.

“I think for me, the definition of an urban Indian is someone who’s been raised out of the reservation in a city. Los Angeles is a totally different city than just a smaller town type of vibe, even Santa Fe, but growing up with having to adapt to other cultural use as well. I think that’s one of my strongest talents out of everything, being Native American. If it’s not having survived, if it’s not participating actively and learning as much as I can, the stigma is that I don’t know a lot. I don’t know the language, but that doesn’t stop me because I’ve already gone through some hard stuff in my life, having dealt with all these moments of anxiousness.”

As Romero traversed various cultural contexts, he realized the fluidity of his identity. He wasn’t exclusively African American or Mexican; he was a quarter Native American and a quarter Anglo, a unique blend that defied easy categorization. This realization came with its own set of challenges. “At some point, I realized I wasn’t black and I wasn’t Mexican,” he shares, acknowledging the ambiguity that colored his self-perception. Yet, as he transitioned to a circle of friends representing a spectrum of mixed backgrounds, he discovered a sense of belonging among those who, like him, were navigating the complexities of their own identities.

The unique hybridization of Romero’s heritage is a testament to the richness of his lineage. His Anglo heritage, inherited from his grandmother, and his Native American heritage, passed down through generations, converged within him. He grappled with how to communicate this intricate tapestry to others, particularly within the context of his Pueblo community. Romero recognized that his unique position as an urban Indian was often met with skepticism, viewed as an assimilationist tendency to profit off indigenous culture. This dynamic underscores the delicate balance he sought to maintain, participating in traditions while understanding the suspicions directed towards those who seemed to embrace elements of Americana.

Amid the tapestry of cultures he encountered, Romero’s dance became a bridge—a means to acclimate and communicate across a myriad of spectrums. Dancing was not merely a form of artistic expression; it was a language through which he could navigate diverse social spaces. “I knew if I wanted to learn more, that it was listening. A lot of it was just through action,” Romero notes, highlighting the role of observation and participation in his journey of understanding. His capacity to engage seamlessly across cultures provided him with an exceptional ability to read subtle cues, to discern when to push or pull back, and ultimately, to embody the essence of code-switching—an art that allowed him to navigate any community effortlessly.

The Clash of Worlds and the Quest for Identity

In Santiago Romero’s voyage of self-discovery, the clash of worlds and the quest for identity are central motifs that shaped his trajectory. His pursuit of education, coupled with an innate curiosity, led him to an unexpected intersection of science and art, bridging the tangible and the abstract.

Romero’s academic journey took an unexpected turn when he embarked on a path of environmental science at Dartmouth College. His journey from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the serene landscapes of New Hampshire was marked by stark contrasts. The absence of familiar faces and cultures challenged his notions of diversity, underscoring the rarity of his urban upbringing. The realization struck him that he was one of the few faces of color in his new environment, and even his attire seemed to set him apart. “I was so confused, because this was just a candid story about…I just knew the space was different,” he reflects, recounting the early days of his transition.

The realm of environmental science offered Romero an unexpected perspective on the interconnectedness of cultures, traditions, and the natural world. As he delved into the intricacies of ecological systems, he found parallels between scientific diagrams and the symbols inherent in Pueblo culture. Elements as diverse as cloud formations, cycles of nitrogen fixation, and patterns of photosynthesis evoked parallels to the sacred designs and motifs passed down through generations. The recognition that scientific diagrams mirrored the timeless iconography of his heritage deepened his understanding of the inherent bond between human experience and the natural environment.

Romero’s artistic journey, often accompanied by a dance of colors and forms, mirrored his life’s journey—a dance between worlds, cultures, and perspectives. He seamlessly blended symbolism and interpretation, creating pieces that transcended mere aesthetics. His artwork became a testament to the interconnectedness of cultures, reflecting the universal truths that bind us all. One piece, crafted with cloud motifs and space-inspired imagery, not only evoked the vastness of the cosmos but also encapsulated the essence of galaxies forming—both microcosms and macrocosms mirrored in harmony.

The transformative power of art, however, was not confined to physical creations alone. Romero’s artistry also extended to his ability to adapt to new horizons and dimensions. He discovered an unexpected talent for painting, an endeavor he had never anticipated. This revelation reinforced his belief that his ancestral memory guided his hands, just as they had guided his forebears in different pursuits. “My talent to put lines where they need to be is just through my hands. It’s just instinct,” he muses, underscoring the deep-seated connection between his present and his ancestral legacy.

The concept of time emerges as an undercurrent in Romero’s narrative—a time that spans generations, cultures, and experiences. He reflects on the passage of time, which has not only witnessed his own evolution but also the evolution of his cultural heritage. He draws attention to the importance of lineage, the wisdom imparted by fathers and grandfathers, uncles and ancestors, in the preservation of Pueblo traditions. “If you don’t have a father or a grandfather or uncle taking you in at an early age, you’re not learning,” Romero observes, emphasizing the role of intergenerational transmission in the continuity of culture.

Santiago Romero’s journey, one of adaptation and survival, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the serene landscapes of Dartmouth, from the dance floors of his urban Indian experience to the canvas that captures his artistic expressions, his narrative serves as an intricate tapestry—a tapestry that weaves together cultures, traditions, and a profound quest for identity.

As we traverse the rich tapestry of Santiago Romero’s experiences, we are reminded that each thread contributes to the whole—a whole that is not confined by categories, boundaries, or expectations. Romero’s story invites us to embrace our own journeys, to explore the delicate balance of adaptation and authenticity, and to find our place within the intricate mosaic of human existence.I think for me, the definition of an urban Indian is someone who’s been raised out of the reservation in a city. Los Angeles is a totally different city than just a smaller town type of vibe, even Santa Fe, but growing up with having to adapt to other cultural use as well. I think that’s one of my strongest talents out of everything, being Native American. If it’s not having survived, if it’s not participating actively and learning as much as I can, the stigma is that I don’t know a lot. I don’t know the language, but that doesn’t stop me because I’ve already gone through some hard stuff in my life, having dealt with all these moments of anxiousness.

Epilogue: Echoes of Identity and the Continuation of a Journey

Santiago Romero’s narrative resonates far beyond the confines of his personal journey. It echoes the experiences of countless individuals who navigate the complex intersections of identity, heritage, and culture. His ability to traverse these realms with grace, empathy, and a profound sense of self offers a compelling reminder that our identities are not static, but rather, dynamic and ever-evolving.

As we delve into the rich tapestry of Santiago Romero’s experiences, we are invited to reflect on our own journeys—on the diverse landscapes we traverse, the cultures we encounter, and the threads of identity that shape our lives. Romero’s story serves as a reminder that within each of us lies the potential to adapt, to learn, and to contribute to the vibrant mosaic of human existence. It is a journey marked by the pursuit of authenticity, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the capacity to bridge worlds through the universal language of empathy and understanding.

Adapting and Surviving: Growing up Urban Indian is more than a title; it encapsulates the essence of Santiago Romero’s life journey. It is an invitation to explore the depths of identity, to appreciate the complexities of heritage, and to celebrate the beauty of adaptation in a world that is continually evolving.