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Ysleta del Sur Pueblo — Tigua Tribe seal
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Aerial view of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo at sunset over El Paso, Texas
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo · Est. 1682

People of the Sun.
Keepers of the story.

A sovereign Tigua nation in El Paso, honoring our history while building a strong future through cultural preservation, education, and community.

Tiwa Word of the Day
karade

“crow; the crow”

In a sentence
karade teuarwe

“The crow is flying.”

Our Story

From 1680 to today

The Tigua Tribe, known as the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, is one of three federally recognized Native American tribes in Texas and the state’s only Pueblo tribe. With roots dating back to 1682, the Tigua people have preserved their rich cultural heritage, traditions, and values for generations. Located in El Paso, the Pueblo is a sovereign nation committed to honoring its history while building a strong future through cultural preservation, education, and community development.

Read our full history
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Aerial view of the giant Tigua sun emblem painted in the plaza of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
The Tigua Sun

Our place, across the centuries.

Where we are
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
El Paso, TX
Milestones
1680
Pueblo Revolt

Tigua people journey south during the Pueblo Revolt against Spanish rule.

1682
Ysleta del Sur founded

The mission and Pueblo of Ysleta del Sur are established near El Paso.

1967
State recognition

The State of Texas formally recognizes the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.

1987
Federal recognition restored

Congress restores the tribe’s federal recognition as a sovereign nation.

2010
All Indian Pueblo Council

Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is accepted into the All Indian Pueblo Council.

2023
Gambling rights secured

Speaking Rock receives gambling rights from the State of Texas.

Today
A living archive

Stories, language, and traditions preserved for future generations.

Explore

The Collections.

Tigua youth dancing in a line with rattles and feathers in the plaza

Social Dances

7 dances

Seven traditional social dances of the Tigua people.

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Aerial view of Tigua community members gathered in a circle

Storytelling Day

10 videos

Recorded stories from our annual Storytelling Day.

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Cacique Sierra in traditional dress before the Ysleta Mission

Institute of Oral History

Archive

First-person accounts from elders and knowledge keepers.

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Language Curriculum

23 lessons

Learn Tiwa through guided lessons.

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Kim T’aiki We’in

40 (23 live)

Teachings and lessons from the community.

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Project Tiwahu

Project

Documenting and revitalizing the Tiwa language.

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Recipes

12 recipes

Traditional Tigua recipes and food traditions.

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Year End Reports

Reports

Annual reports on the Pueblo’s programs and progress.

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Ken Ku Kua

Community

The organization uniting community gardens across the Pueblo.

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Socioeconomic Profile

Report

Data and insights on the Tigua community’s economic wellbeing.

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Watch

Voices of the Pueblo

Stories and teachings from Storytelling Day and the Institute of Oral History.

Language

Search the Tiwa dictionary

Find a word, hear how it sounds, and learn its meaning.

Browse the full dictionary
Digital Heritage

Browse by category.

Discover the Tigua story