Native American Communities
Cultural vitality abounds in Central New Mexico. It has been home to seven Pueblo communities for thousands of years: Cochiti, Jemez, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Sandia, and Isleta. Pueblo life includes deep-rooted textile and pottery traditions, an important cycle of annual blessing ceremonies, and a rich array of growing businesses. Visitors can witness public dancing at Open Feast days throughout the year: please check with local Visitor Centers for dates and protocol. Several of these communities have museums and visitors centers for interested travelers and opportunities to explore local craftwork.
Visitors are also welcome at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on 12th street. The facility houses a delicious restaurant, a dynamite shop, and an enriching museum. Staff host a book club on topics relevant to Native life in New Mexico and beyond, dancers perform all weekend, and local kiddos spend the summer at the center digging into traditional teachings. Best of all, the Gathering of Nations Powwow, held annually in April, brings the best Native American singers, dancers, artisans, craftspeople, traders, and competitors to the largest Powwow in North America right in Central New Mexico.
