Santa Fe has a profound connection with the Native Pueblo people of Northern New Mexico. Built on Indigenous Peoples' homelands and villages, Santa Fe has always been a diverse, culturally and historically rich community, and is deeply proud of the prolific contributions that its first peoples brought and continue to bring to the city.
In October of 2016, the City of Santa Fe officially designated the second Monday of October annually as Indigenous Peoples' Day. The unanimous Resolution by the city's Governing Body honors and recognizes the contributions of Native Americans to the history and culture of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the United States. Each year, Santa Fe reserves the day to honor and uphold its valued Native American neighbors from the 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos in New Mexico, its urban Native citizens, and all of the wonderful Native American arts, cultural, and educational institutions that give the city such a strong sense of place.
On October 8 and 9, 2022, dance groups representing many of the 23 Tribes in the area will perform traditional dances and music the historic Santa Fe Plaza in celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Red Turtle Pueblo Dance Group dancing the Butterfly Dance (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)The schedule of dances on the Plaza for Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples Day 2022 was created with input and recommendations of Tribal Leaders and Tribal Tourism partners.
George Rivera, past event chair and past Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque says, “Collaboration, recognition, and celebration are the focus of Indigenous Peoples Day. 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.”
Santa Fe tourists enjoy taking a selfie with Native American Fancy Dancers (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)Enchanted by the beautifully diverse multicultural landscape of Santa Fe, visitors from all over the world come to The City Different to experience Native American art and culture throughout the year, however, the city is passionate about this separate celebration once a year to underscore the importance of Native culture and contribution to its community.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, October 8, Santa Fe Historic Plaza:
- 10 am Danza Azteca de Anahuac (Taos Area)
- 11 am Indigenous Dance Group (Pojoaque & Nambé
- 1 pm Kallestewa Dance Group (Zuni)
- 2 pm Serpent Trail Dance Group (Ohkay Owingeh)
- 3 pm Pojoaque Pueblo Youth Hoop Dance Group (Pojoaque)
Sunday, October 9, Santa Fe Historic Plaza:
- 10 am Soaring Eagle Dance Group (Zuni)
- 11 am TBD
- 1 pm Lightning Boy Foundation (Inter-tribal)
- 2 pm TBD
Monday, October 10:
IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, Santa Fe Indigenous Center, and the Santa Fe Indian School will host events throughout the day.
Santa Fe Indigenous Peoples' Day 2022 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.
For more information on Indigenous Peoples Day, visit Indigenous Peoples Day
