Ep 4. The Last Conquistador

"The Last Conquistador" is an episode from season 21 of POV. This documentary takes a deep dive into the controversy surrounding the construction of a controversial public monument in El Paso, Texas. The monument is a 42-foot-tall statue of Spanish conquistador Don Juan de Oñate, who led an expedition in the 16th century that resulted in the massacre of Native Americans in the area. For some, the statue symbolizes the city's Spanish heritage, while others argue that it glorifies a violent history of colonization and genocide.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the history of the Oñate statue and the ongoing debate surrounding its place in public space. The documentary features interviews with a variety of perspectives, including historians, activists, artists, politicians, and local residents.

One of the main themes of "The Last Conquistador" is the power of public art and how it shapes our understanding of history and culture. The film asks important questions about who gets to decide what stories are told in public spaces and whose voices are heard. It also explores the complicated relationship between the Mexican-American and Native American communities in El Paso and how the Oñate statue represents a complex web of historical trauma and cultural identity.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are introduced to various activists and artists who are working to challenge the status quo and demand change. This includes Native American activist and artist Suzan Shown Harjo, who has been leading efforts to remove the statue since the 1990s. We also meet modern-day descendants of Oñate, who have mixed feelings about their ancestor's legacy and the controversy surrounding the statue.

Overall, "The Last Conquistador" is a thought-provoking and nuanced documentary that encourages viewers to consider the ways in which public art and history intersect with questions of power, identity, and decolonization. Whether you are familiar with the Oñate statue controversy or not, this episode of POV provides a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in El Paso's history and the ongoing struggle for social justice and representation.