Located in the Ysleta section of El Paso, Texas, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, also known as Tigua Pueblo, is one of only three federally recognized Indian tribes in Texas. Representatives from their dance group visited the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community on April 27 to give a lunchtime performance in the Two Waters courtyard.

Representing the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Dance group was Rene Duran. Before the performance, Duran shared some insight into how the daytime performance from his tribe came to be.

“One month ago, I came to President Harvier to ask him if we could bring this dance today. He granted us the privilege, and for that, we thank him,” Duran said. During his opening remarks, Duran detailed how he has worked for various departments in the SRPMIC including social services, engineering and construction services (ECS), and the Salt River police department. He shared how blessed he feels to have done so. “The idea was to bring thanks to the SRPMIC for allowing me to work and serve you all for many years. [We bring] you all a blessing of dance, our way of thanking you all and for the blessings you have brought to me and my family,” said Duran.

Following Duran’s speech, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo traditional councilman and War Chief Rene Lopez spoke a few words about the dance group and shared his appreciation for inviting the dance group to perform.

“Thank you for allowing us to have our dance in your reservation,” said Lopez. “Thank you to the president and to the Community.”

The Ysleta del Sur dancers then performed the butterfly dance, a Pueblo folk dance which is derived from the more traditional butterfly dances done at the pueblos in New Mexico. The dancers represented the butterfly, which symbolically flutters about to bring a good harvest for crops.

The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo dancers performed two additional songs in the Two Waters Courtyard before closing with a ceremonial gift exchange with President Harvier and the SRPMIC.