September 27, 2018: The City of Santa Fe will honor its strong ties with the 23 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos of New Mexico in an expanded three-day Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at the Santa Fe Plaza, October 6-8, 2018. The multi-day schedule of traditional performances and sharing of cultural information for Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Day 2018, created with input and recommendations of Tribal Leaders and Tribal Tourism Partners, includes award winning dancing, drumming and singing. Community outreach booths from local Native American non-profit arts, education and culture organizations will also be present.
“Collaboration, recognition and celebration is the focus of Indigenous Peoples Day,” said George Rivera, 2017 event chair and past Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. “The event provides an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience Native culture and expand their knowledge and appreciation of indigenous communities in New Mexico.”
Joining numerous cities across the nation, in 2016 the City of Santa Fe officially designated the second Monday of October annually as Indigenous Peoples Day to honor and recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the history and culture of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the United States. On Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Day, we reserve the weekend to honor and uphold our valued Native American neighbors and all of the wonderful Native American arts, culture and educational institutions that give Santa Fe such a strong sense of place and make it one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
Santa Fe is deeply proud to embrace its rich cultural diversity and the prolific and profound contributions that its first peoples brought and continue to bring to the city. Visitors from all over the world come to The City Different to experience authentic Native American art and culture throughout the year. With the 2018 Indigenous People’s Day celebration falling on the first weekend of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, even more New Mexico visitors will be exposed to the state’s Native culture and people.
In 2017, the City of Santa Fe commissioned noted Jemez Pueblo artist George Toya to create the artwork above for the Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. The art is featured on commemorative and promotional materials including a poster and t-shirts that will be for sale on the Plaza. According to Toya, the design represents the interconnected Indigenous World found in New Mexico.
2018 EVENT SCHEDULE:
Saturday, October 6th - Santa Fe Historic Plaza:
- 12:00pm – 3:45pm Native American Dancing Groups
Sunday, October 7th - Santa Fe Historic Plaza:
- 12:00pm – 3:45pm Native American Dancing Groups
Monday, October 8th - Santa Fe Historic Plaza:
9:30am – 10:00am Morning Flute & Prayer
10:00am -11:30am Dignitary Event with Santa Fe Mayor and Tribal Leaders
12:00pm - 12:45pm Drumming Group
1:00pm – 1:45pm Zuni Pueblo Soaring Eagle Dance Group
2:00pm – 2:45pm Hopi Dance Group
3:00pm – 3:45pm Pueblo of Tesuque Buffalo Dance Group
4:00pm – 4:45pm Lightning Boy Hoop Dancers (Inter-Tribal)
5:00pm – 5:30pm Closing Prayer
Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Day 2018 is brought to you by the City of Santa Fe and TOURISM Santa Fe, in collaboration with the 23 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos in New Mexico.
Media Contact:
Ryan Dodge, Program and Events Manager
TOURISM Santa Fe
Tel: 505 955 6232
Email: rdodge@santafenm.gov
