Reies Tijerina and the Land Grant Movement

Reies Tijerina Overview

• Born September 21, 1926, died January 19, 2015.

• Known as "King Tiger."

• Influential Chicano civil rights activist.

Land Grant Movement

• Led a movement from 1956 to 1976 in Northern New Mexico.

• Focused on the repatriation of land taken by Anglo surveyors, violating the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Key Activities and Achievements

• Organized Chicanos to demand equal citizenship, economic opportunity, and preservation of Chicano culture.

• Created La Alianza Federal De Mercedes in February 1963, representing 48 Mexican land grants.

• Advocated for land rights of descendants of Mexican pioneers.

• Gained attention through a daily radio show and newspapers.

Significant Events

• Occupied Echo Amphitheater in October 1966, claiming rights over the Republic of San Joaquin.

• Charged with assault on government officials during protests, later released on bond.

• Raided Tierra Amarilla courthouse on June 5, 1967, for civil rights violations, gaining national attention.

Legal Challenges and Impact

• Faced charges due to courthouse raid; sentenced to federal prison in Texas in 1970.

• Transferred to a mental hospital, La Alianza declined during incarceration.

• Prohibited from leadership roles post-release but remained active in social justice.

Later Life

• Moved to central Mexico in 1994 after home fire, returned to Texas in 2006.

• Authored autobiography, "They Call Me 'King Tiger': My Struggle for the Land and Our Rights" in 2000.