Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Setting the record straight

Documentary tells true story of cowboys

Brent Ruffner News-Bulletin Staff Writer; bruffner@news-bulletin.com

Belen Historian Don Chavez y Gilbert is spreading the word.

Chavez y Gilbert, a descendant of some of the first New Mexican cowboys, will be part of a documentary about the history behind the first settlers in the area.

The documentary, made by J&S Productions, will cover how ranching and horsemanship techniques have changed over time and give viewers a historical perspective of the state.

Filmmaker Susan Jensen said Chavez y Gilbert was chosen for his historic knowledge of the early cowboys, called vaqueros. Chavez y Gilbert has made contributions to the National Geographic Web site and has also been featured on National Public Radio and the History Channel. He has also written an online book about the origin of cowboys.

Gilbert's historical commentary will be woven throughout the film, according to J&S Productions officials.

"He's very knowledgeable," said Jensen, who will film the documentary in New Mexico for the next month. "He has knowledge about the vaqueros and the Spanish culture."

The documentary is part of a two-part story that follows the early cowboys from Spain and Mexico to New Mexico and California.

J&S Productions released the first part of the cowboy documentary, "Los Primeros, The First Cowboys" earlier this year. The latest film will be available for DVD release by October.

Vaquero roots apparently grew after the Moors of North Africa crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and into Spain in the 700s.

The Spanish people took techniques from the Moorish culture such as horsemanship and how to make more efficient cowboy wear.

Chavez y Gilbert, who raises sheep similar to what the Spanish colonizers brought to New Mexico, took an interest in local history after hearing stories from his grandfather.

His grandfather, Epifinio, told him of old stories about the first Spanish conquistadors of New Mexico.

Chavez y Gilbert said he was told he was an descendent of some of Valencia County's founding fathers, such as Thome Dominguez, founder of Tomé, and Diego de Torres, who founded Belen in 1740.

"He used to tell us a lot of stories," Chavez y Gilbert said. "His pride and appreciation for the ranching and farming industry really rubbed off on me."

He said he began reading books and tried to learn everything about his heritage, and in the 1980s, bought out remaining portions of inherited land that were part of the original Belen Land Grant.

He said he eventually wants to turn the 20-acre piece of land into a state trust for future generations to enjoy.

"I want this land to be a part of living history," Chavez y Gilbert said. "It's so much better for kids to learn about something that you can touch."

He said the documentary can also be a resource for people who want an authentic account of the history of cowboys. He said historical accounts on television and books are often inaccurate.

For example, he said some people may believe Texans started the art of ranching in the West. But he said Mexicans taught people the techniques they learned from the Spanish.

"Some people don't even know that Christopher Columbus was from Spain," he said.

Chavez y Gilbert said he hopes his contribution to the film can help reverse historical inaccuracies.

"It puts historical events into a story form," he said. "Schools can buy the DVDs, and they will be there forever."

The Belen resident said the film also helps with his own legacy.

"I hope I can ride off into the sunset and know I made a difference in teaching history," Chavez y Gilbert said. "It's very fulfilling."

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