Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (also Tigua Pueblo) is a Puebloan Native American tribal entity in the Ysleta section of El Paso, Texas, comprising a formerly Southern Tiwa-speaking people who were displaced from New Mexico in 1680 and 1681 during the Pueblo Revolt against the Spaniards.
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In Spanish the people and language are called Tigua (pronounced Tiwa). They have maintained a tribal identity and lands in Texas.[1] Spanish replaced the indigenous language since around the early 1900s.
For almost 40 years the Pueblo has owned and operated tribal businesses that provide employment for its members and the El Paso community. These businesses include the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, Big Bear Oil Co., Inc., and the Tigua Indian Cultural Center.[1] The tribe employs approximately 400 individuals.
In 1968 the United States Congress passed P.L. 100-89, which restored Federal recognition to this group, the southernmost tribe of the Pueblo peoples.[2] In addition, the state of Texas recognized the tribe. Two other tribes in Texas also have Federal and state recognition.[2] In April 2008, the Tribal Census Department reported 1,615 enrolled members.[3]
Danny Senclare is the current Governor of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.