It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez– beloved leader, activist, artist, and cultural historian who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Indigenous peoples of Texas. Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez, one of AIT’s founding Directors and Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation Tribal Council member, completed his time here on earth on May 8, 2023 surrounded by his family and friends.
He was the Tama of the Auteca Paguame family, the eldest member of the Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation Tribal Council, and Co-Founder of the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions organization. He was the inaugural artist at the recent opening of the Spirit Waters Gallery in San Antonio, which featured a 70-year retrospective of his art.
Ramón dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the heritage of the Indigenous peoples of Texas. He became involved in the Chicano Movement and civil rights struggles of the 1970s, co-founding Centro Cultural Aztlan and organizing numerous cultural events. He was also a respected scholar and researcher, creating archives and educational programs to document and preserve his people’s stories, traditions, and artifacts. Ramon was an avid artist, humanizing history through his artworks.
In a room full of scholars Ramón once said, “If our people here in Texas were to use the same blood quantum methods, then I am 1/32 Spanish and the first time I skinned my knee that blood trickled out of me”. He also said, “ Six flags have flown over this place we now call Texas, and six more flags could wave in these winds, and my people would still be here”. Like his mother, Olivia Sanchez, a member of the 1930s Native American Voters League in San Antonio, Ramón never backed down from controversy and always kept his cool.
Ramón’s legacy will endure through his many contributions and accomplishments, which have inspired and enlightened countless people. His passing is a profound loss, but his spirit and teachings will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered as a visionary, mentor, and friend who always put his community and culture first.
Rest in power, Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez. Your light will continue to shine.
Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez “Celebration of Life” Details
Please join the Vasquez Family and Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation on June 1, 2023, for the “Celebration of Life” for Ramón Vasquez y Sanchez. The gathering will be at the Avenida Guadalupe Plaza, 1327 Guadalupe Street. A ceremony will begin at 7 pm followed by a Music Tribute by Jacinto Guevara and Mariachis. Please bring a memory to place on the Community Altar for Ramón. Following the Celebration, the Altar will be relocated to the Spirit Waters Art Gallery at the American Indians in Texas Center.
If you would like to send flowers, they can be sent to 1616 E. Commerce Street, or you can make a donation on behalf of Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez to the American Indian in Texas-Spanish Colonial Missions so that the mission continues.
The following is a brief list of articles and news items featuring Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez and AITSCM:
https://sanantonioreport.org/tag/american-indians-in-texas-at-the-spanish-colonial-missions/
https://sanantonioreport.org/vasquez-y-sanchez-humanizes-history-vivid-artworks/
https://sites.google.com/view/sacmas/movimientosan-antonio-oral-history-project
http://npshistory.com/publications/saan/reassessing-cultural-extinction.pdf
https://myanfobase.com/Art-Sketches/63c13490d8355a35e12f55f6
https://theranger.org/2019/04/15/mexican-american-studies-honors-pioneer-chicano-activi