Native American Culture

New Mexico is home to 19 pueblos, including the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos located north of Santa Fe. The Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Mescalero Apache Reservation also are located in New Mexico, along with a portion of the Navajo Nation.

The website for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center provides excellent information about New Mexico's pueblos, including a schedule of ceremonial dance days and feast days. Located in Albuquerque, the center is owned and operated by New Mexico's 19 pueblos. It features permanent and changing museum exhibits as well as year-round programs and events highlighting art, history, dance and culture.

To learn more about Native American culture, history, art and annual events in New Mexico, visit our Indian Pueblos and Native American arts sections. Browse the links below for additional information.

Santa Fe Indian Market

Santa Fe Plaza
(505) 983-5220

View Map

Don’t miss this world-famous market, held toward the end of August, if you’re a fan of Native American art and culture. More than 1,000 artists sell their pottery, weaving, jewelry, basketry and other traditional work and demonstrate their time-honored techniques on the Plaza. Fill up on fry bread, roasted corn and Navajo tacos as well as other foods of the Southwest as you shop and enjoy Pueblo dances,

live music and other entertainment. Get there early because this market typically draws 100,000 visitors from around the globe.

Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show

327 Eagle Drive
San Juan, NM 87566
(505) 747-1593

Fans of Native American art and culture flock to this annual event, held in mid-July at Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo). Hundreds of artists from pueblos and tribes around the country gather to celebrate their heritage, selling an amazing array of arts and crafts and performing ceremonial dances. Started in 1972, this popular festival has drawn crowds who appreciate the fact that it's organized by Native Americans and held on Pueblo land.

Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

710 Camino Lejo
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-1250

View Map

The outstanding collection showcases classic and contemporary Southwestern Indian paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, basketry and weaving. A permanent exhibition tracing the life of American Indians, "Here Now and Always" was curated in part by Native American elders, scholars and tribal members.