'Encounter Culture' podcast looks at the history of Native American voting rights

It’s been 75 years since Native Americans got the right to vote in New Mexico.

That right wouldn’t have been available without Miguel H. Trujillo.

The Isleta Pueblo man fought for the right to vote — eventually getting a ruling in 1948 from the New Mexico Supreme Court that secured voting rights for Native Americans in New Mexico.

His story is told in a podcast, “Encounter Culture,” which is produced by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

“New Mexico’s stories are deep and wide-reaching, and for season four, we took that to heart,” said Charlotte Jusinski, host of “Encounter Culture.” “We could not have done Miguel H. Trujillo’s story justice in one episode. So, we adapted our approach. The season is dedicated entirely to what Trujillo and his lawyer went through to ensure Native Americans were able to vote, and the major implications that court case had and still has in Native America.”

Jusinski teamed up with New Mexico History Museum guest curator Stephanie Padilla, who came on as co-host, to access her wealth of knowledge and resources.

“Stephanie and her team had great conversations with family members and subject-matter experts who understand the ins and outs of the legal and social issues at play,” she says. “It’s different from anything the show has done before. I hope our listeners enjoy what we’ve put together.”

Trujillo was born in Isleta Pueblo and served as a Marine staff sergeant during World War II. After returning from his service, he decided to register to vote.

He found that he was barred from registering to vote because he was an “Indian not taxed,” a phrase in New Mexico’s state constitution (and found in other state constitutions, as well).

He challenged this in the courts, and the 1948 ruling set the course for Native Americans.

Over the course of six episodes, “Encounter Culture” season four lifts up the voices of educators, community members, and the Trujillo family to explore the significance of voting rights and education to Native Americans, and how studying the history of Native American voting rights influences contemporary Native decision-makers.

Jusinski says to cover every angle of Trujillo’s story, “Encounter Culture” partnered with the Trujillo family, New Mexico History Museum and the National Endowment for the Humanities on interviews, the podcast season, and a small exhibition on the museum’s campus, which will open in August.

“Encounter Culture” is available on podcast streaming platforms or at podcast.nmculture.org.