A new digital repository and database dedicated to preserving the history of enslaved Indigenous people across the United States launches this month. Dr. Estevan Rael-Gálvez, a native New Mexican and former state historian, is in charge of the project and says one of the goals is to bridge the past with the present — or to build an “ofrenda.”  

Rael-Gálvez joins Conversations Different podcast host Inez Russell Gomez in the latest episode discussing efforts he’s undertaken to uncover the roots and stories of Indigenous slavery especially here in Northern New Mexico. He shares insight into the years-long journey of doing extensive research into genealogical records, public reports and firsthand accounts for the new repository that went live Nov.1.   

Rael-Gálvez also discusses his background, growing up on the Northern New Mexico/Southern Colorado border and being told of his ancestral connections that made him question his own relation to Indigeneity. He said family conversations and natural curiosity inspired him to pursue this project. 

The project is called Native Bound Unbound and more information can be found by visiting nativeboundunbound.org