Beyond Acknowledgment: Moving Toward Repair with the O’ga P’ogeh Land Tax

As members of Indivisible Santa Fe, we are committed to realizing equitable policies and fighting for justice in our community. We begin our events by acknowledging that the land on which we live and work—O’ga P’ogeh (Santa Fe)—is the unceded ancestral territory of the Tewa people.

But while acknowledgment is a vital first step, the question remains: What comes next?

If we recognize that this land was stolen from Indigenous populations and that white settlers have benefited from centuries of systemic advantage, we must ask ourselves how to move from words to restorative action.

What is the O’ga P’ogeh Land Tax?

The O’ga P’ogeh Land Tax (OPLT) offers a tangible way to enter into a restorative relationship with the local Native community. It is a voluntary, elective tax for all settlers and non-Native people who live in Santa Fe (full-time or seasonally), recreate here, or have economic ties to the region.

Rather than a government-mandated fee, this is a community-led redistribution of resources. The proceeds go directly to the Three Sisters Collective, an Indigenous women-led (matriarchal) grassroots organization. They allocate these funds to support initiatives that serve the local Indigenous community, respect the sovereignty of Northern New Mexico Native Nations, and facilitate the rematriation of the land.

Why This Matters for Progressives

Our mission at Indivisible is to protect the vulnerable and drive lasting change. Participating in the OPLT is a direct way to practice these values. It isn’t about "giving your house away"—it’s about recognizing our position in a colonial legacy and making an ongoing financial contribution to help repair that harm.

The tax is calculated on a sliding scale, making it a cross-class project where everyone can contribute according to their means. By participating, we move beyond the symbolic and toward a right relationship with the original stewards of this land.

Call to Action: Take the Next Step

We are calling on our Indivisible Santa Fe community to turn land acknowledgment into land action. ✊ Your legacy can be one of reconciliation and repair.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Educate Yourself: Visit www.oplt.org to learn more about the history of O’ga P’ogeh and the vision behind this project.
2. Calculate Your Tax: Use the personal land tax survey on the website. It takes into account various factors to help you determine a contribution that fits your financial situation.
3. Make a Contribution: Set up a recurring or one-time payment to support the vital work of the Three Sisters Collective.

Acknowledging the past is necessary; funding the future is transformative. Let’s lead the way in making Santa Fe a place of true equity and restoration.