When it comes to cultural roots, the west coast is rich with relevance for so many groups of people. One group in particular is Native Americans. New Mexico is no different, with 23 Native American tribes that are federally recognized in the state. Native American history is celebrated today in museums, the arts, festivals and many other forms of cultural significance. 

However, one controversial monument still stands. The Kit Carson obelisk is located just two blocks north of the Santa Fe Plaza. Kit Carson is infamous for organizing the "Long Walk," a series of mass execution marches of Diné and Mescalero Apaches in 1863 that resulted in the deaths of about 2,000 individuals.  

 Although not easily recognizable as such,  with a simple obelisk design, this 20 foot tall statue represents the championing of yet another individual that does not need to be held in this light. 

 In honor of Native American Heritage Month,  The Monumental Project sat down with Laura Harris, Executive Director of Americans for Indian Opportunity. AIO is a non-profit organization which serves as a catalyst for Native American initiatives all across the country. We spoke on how they started, the current state of Native American issues such as the Carson monument, and what are the best routes to make a change for how we view Native American culture.