My name is Elden Aguilar, I come from Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico. A Keresan speaking tribe, Located 33 miles south of Santa Fe along the Rio Grande River. Where I was raised and taught our traditional ways, which involved Hunting, Fishing, Agriculture, Wildlife/ Water/ Land Conservation. The connection between my cultural side and modern society has always existed especially when it comes to public lands. My first experience on Public Lands was mule deer hunting in Southern NM with my dad at the age of 12. 

I harvested my first buck on the last morning of the hunt. I remember him passing on his traditional knowledge about preparing the deer, guiding me through field dressing, and packing it out. During our time packing out the buck, he shared a very important story in our culture about deer and a boy. From there I was so moved and knew that I was always going to be involved with the outdoors and hoped someday I’d create a positive impact just as he did working as a Range Rider for the reservation.

I am also an upcoming local artist who solely focuses on wildlife/nature art from the Native American perspective (instagram @Wildstyln.art). I was fortunate to create artwork for NM BHA’s “RALLY FOR THE RIO GRANDE DEL NORTE”, an event celebrating public lands on the national monument. This was also the perfect opportunity for me to attend and volunteer with a fence removal on BLM land the next day. Since then I had been a regular volunteer because it felt good to have some type of positive impact and also create better wildlife connectivity on public lands.  

On my free time I enjoy taking solo trips, exploring new places. During the summer I like going up to the Pecos river for a day of hiking and fly fishing on public waters. During hunting season it’s scouting, glassing, and stalking Coues deer on public lands. It isn’t the easiest but, there’s just something very addictive about hunting grey ghosts with a bow.

I am grateful to be considered and start my position as the Habitat Stewardship Coordinator on the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument.