It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez, a beloved leader, activist, artist, and cultural historian, who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Indigenous peoples of Texas. Ramón passed away on May 8, 2023, at the age of 83, surrounded by his family and friends.
As the eldest member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation, he was the clan leader of the Auteca Paguame family, a Member of the Tribal Council, and Co-Founder of AIT-SCM American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions. He was the featured artist at the recent opening of the Spirit Waters Gallery in San Antonio, which featured a 40 year retrospective of his art.
Ramón dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the heritage of the Indigenous peoples of Texas. He became involved in the Chicano Movement and civil rights struggles of the 1970s, co-founding Centro Cultural Aztlan and organizing numerous cultural events. He also became a respected scholar and researcher, creating archives and educational programs to document and preserve the stories, traditions, and artifacts of his people. He was also an avid artist, humanizing history through his artworks.
Ramón’s legacy will endure through his many contributions and accomplishments, which have inspired and enlightened countless people. He will be remembered as a visionary, a mentor, and a friend, who always put his community and his culture first. His passing is a profound loss, but his spirit and his teachings will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him and loved him.
Rest in power, Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez. Your light will continue to shine.
The following is a brief list of articles and news items featuring Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez and Tap Pilam:
- https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/san-antonio-artist-activist-ram-n-v-squez-y-18091096.php
- https://www.facebook.com/tappilam/photos/a.2360536890866852/3080385825548618/?type=3&eid=ARD2hESRzYdC-ItjaefLIYEWz89ezWt8_UzU-EDq2D_sG2iS61MscrxmYsOLaK42QIVwE7A8jgDXZRED&paipv=0&eav=Afb8csCODjwSJvMM5cMylHF5fY1hMM0rHLfLylhqZq1NptLEvBtsmfpMspXywk6Mjww&_rdr
- https://www.sacurrent.com/news/noche-de-recuerdos-2324547
- https://events.getcreativesanantonio.com/event/ramon-vasquez-y-sanchez-the-man-the-myth-the-legend
- https://glasstire.com/2020/06/13/st-anthonys-tongue-other-hidden-stories-from-urban-15/
- https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1208&context=naccs
