Why Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Closes Businesses to Mourn a Chief

ARTICLE UPDATE:

Funeral Services Announced for Cacique Jose Sierra Sr.

According to an article shared by KTSM, A public visitation will be held for Cacique Jose Sierra Sr., beloved tribal leader of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo on Monday, August 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mission, 131 S. Zaragoza. A rosary will follow at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at 10 a.m., also at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mission. Graveside services will take place the same day at noon at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragoza.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

El Paso is coming together to honor the life and legacy of Cacique José Sierra Sr., the beloved chief of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo. 

In a post shared to Facebook this past weekend, Speaking Rock officials announced his passing and shared that all Pueblo facilities, including Speaking Rock, would remain closed until further notice as the community grieves.

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I shared a post on Facebook announcing this news and also mentioning that due to this passing, the highly anticipated TLC concert would be cancelled. While many people shared their condolences on the post, I was BAFFLED at some of the heartless comments that were also left on the post.

Apparently for some people a concert seemed more important than understanding why a community needed time to grieve. So I felt like this would be a perfect time to educate people on exactly why Ysleta del Sur Pueblo decided to close businesses to mourn a Chief.

(Feel free to read the heartless comments below)

For the Tigua people, mourning a Cacique isn’t just about honoring a leader:

When the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo announced the passing of Cacique José Sierra Sr., the community didn’t just share condolences, they pressed pause. Speaking Rock and all Pueblo facilities immediately closed, a decision rooted in centuries of tradition. For the Pueblo, mourning a chief isn’t just ceremonial; it’s sacred.

According to the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo website, The Pueblo is the oldest community in Texas, established in 1682, and the only Pueblo in the state. Its members have carried forward a culture rooted in resilience, prayer, and unity despite centuries of hardship and displacement. When a chief passes, businesses close to allow the community to pause, reflect, and honor their leader with sacred mourning rites that are essential to Pueblo life.

Cacique Sierra wasn’t just a chief; he was a bridge between the past and present

According to a post shared on El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission Facebook page, before serving as leader, Cacique Sierra worked in El Paso’s film industry for decades, even helping build the legacy of filmmaking in the region. The post read: 

“Saddened to hear of the passing of Cacique José Sierra Sr. of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Prior to his role with the tribal government Joe was the location coordinator at our office beginning in the 1970's and worked all of the films in El Paso up until the early 2000's. Along with Susie Gaines, Joe was instrumental in building the legacy of filmmaking in El Paso that continues to this day. I still use Joe's weathered canvas camera bag when scouting locations today.” 

 

With nearly 4,300 members nationwide, YDSP’s contributions to El Paso are woven into the city’s fabric. From job creation to education and cultural preservation.

As the Pueblo mourns its Cacique, the greater El Paso community joins in prayer, reflection, and gratitude for a leader whose impact will endure for generations.

Speaking Rock Officials Have Announced Reopening Date:

Speaking Rock has announced it will reopen Friday, August 22, at 9:00 AM. Pueblo leaders expressed gratitude for the community’s thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time. In honoring their Cacique, the Pueblo reminds us all: some moments are too important to rush through.

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