Roland Eugene Johnson

Roland Johnson was born on Sunday, November 6,1938 in the Laguna Pueblo, village of Paguate, he was raised by his grandparents. Paul and Eulogia Johnson.

While in their care he fluently spoke the Keres language, which he considered to be his primary language. His upbringing consisted of helping his grandfather with all tasks associated with farming and ranching.

He attended schools in Santa Fe, Espanola and graduated from the Albuquerque Indian School.

Following his graduation from AIS, he was selected to attend a summer session at the Fieldston School of Ethical Culture in New York City, where he was provided the opportunity to meet with the notable session speakers including: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt and General U Thant of the United Nations.

After his summer in New York, Roland attended NMSU for 2 years, but at the age of 22 returned to Laguna to serve as Laguna Pueblo's Secretary, deeming him the youngest person to be elected as a full time Pueblo official.

In 1965, Roland began his Federal Service, but took a leave of absence in 1975 to return to his tribal community to serve 3 terms as Governor of the Laguna Pueblo. At 36 years of age, he was among the youngest to be elected to this position.

He retired from federal service in 1994 after 30 years and resumed his role as Pueblo Governor for an additional 4 terms (8 years).

Roland was preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Eulogia Johnson: mother, Lillie Yahnozha: and wife of 46 years, Elizabeth. He is survived by his children Paul and wife Kaye: Jacqueline and husband DuWayne and Marilyn, sisters Geri and Edwina Yahnozha, grandchildren Branden, Danielle, Samantha, Kirsten, Katelynne and Monique, and great-grandchildren Caiden, Sophie, Carter, Carson, Skyler and Eliyanah.

On Monday, August 10, 2020, Roland peacefully returned to the Creator in the presence of his loved ones. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.