Tewa linguist gets marker

Esther Martinez:  'A way to honor her spirit'

Historical roadside marker celebrates Tewa linguist and renowned storytellerNew Mexico honored Ohkay Owingeh storyteller and Tewa linguist Esther Martinez Blue Water (P'oe Tsáwä) on Saturday by unveiling a new roadside marker at the pueblo north of Española.

One of her many grandchildren, Matthew Martinez, called the event "a humbling experience."

"It is an honor to have a marker that recognizes her contributions to her pueblo and to others," said Martinez, speaking to the large crowd gathered at the site along N.M. 68. "She was a person steadfast to the end."

The wooden marker is the second of 55 that will be installed around the state in recognition of influential New Mexico women. The first marker was dedicated to the Sisters of Loretto last year in Santa Fe.