Experience a variety of activities in celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day October 12–14, 2024!

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 weekend prior and the day itself to honor its Native American neighbors from the 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos in New Mexico, its urban Native citizens, and all of the Native American arts, cultural, and educational institutions that give the city such a strong sense of place. After all, Santa Fe was built on Indigenous Peoples' homelands and villages, and as a result, is a culturally and historically rich community.

Red Turtle Pueblo Dance Group dancing the Butterfly Dance 

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 weekend. The activities throughout the city offer 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 during Indigenous Peoples Day
Santa Fe tourists enjoy taking a selfie with Native American Fancy Dancers 

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. 

SCHEDULE

Saturday, October 5: If you happen to be in Santa Fe the weekend prior to Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend, consider participating in the Institute of American Indian Arts' 2024 IAIA Fall Powwow on Saturday, October 5. This free outdoor event is open to the public on the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) campus at 83 A Van Nu Po. Grand Entry begins at noon in the IAIA Dance Circle. Food, drink, and art sales will be provided by the IAIA Community. 

Saturday, October 12: Dances on the Santa Fe Plaza (created with input and recommendations of Tribal Leaders and Tribal Tourism partners)
 

  • 10 am Danza Azteca de Anahuac (Taos Area)

  • 11 am The Pueblo Enchantment Dancers (Acoma Pueblo)

  • 1 pm The Cottonwood Dancers (Tesuque Pueblo)

  • 2 pm Poeh Cultural Center (Pojoaque Pueblo)

  • 3 pm Talachy Sister Hoop Dancers  (Pojoaque Pueblo)
     

Sunday, October 13: Dances on the Santa Fe Plaza (created with input and recommendations of Tribal Leaders and Tribal Tourism partners)
 

  • 10 am Southern Nations Dance Troupe (Kiowa, Comanche, Pawnee and Navajo Nations)

  • 11 am The Pueblo Enchantment Dancers (Acoma Pueblo)

  • 1 pm Soaring Eagle Dance Group (Zuni Pueblo)

  • 2 pm Oak Canyon Dancers (Jemez Pueblo)

  • 3 pm Lighting Boy Hoop Dancers (Pojoaque Pueblo)
     

Monday, October 14:  The 2nd annual Santa Fe Indigenous Center's Intertribal Powwow is free and open to the public on the Santa Fe Plaza. Enjoy powwow dancing, vendor booths, and a parade of Nations. 
 

  • 9 am Official Opening, Prayer, Land Acknowledgment, and Pueblo Dances

  • 9 am Native Artist Booths Open

  • 10 am Gourd Dancing

  • 12 pm Grand Entry & Parade of Nations

  • 4:30 pm Closing​     
     

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