Things to do to celebrate Native American Heritage Day
Ehecatl Aztec Dancers perform at the inaugural New Mexico Indigenous Day Celebration held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in November 2023.
Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal
Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth TuckerElizabeth Tucker Journal Staff Writer
PublishedModified
Native American culture is ingrained in New Mexican culture.
There are 19 Pueblos around New Mexico, which is home to 23 different tribes.
In the spring, Albuquerque hosts the Gathering of Nations, when tens of thousands of people from tribes all over North America gather to celebrate their culture, passing on songs and dances to their children.
If you are looking for ways to learn more about the rich Native American heritage here in Albuquerque, check out these places.
Called the "Gateway to the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico," this center features museums, exhibits, events, cultural dances and even its own hot air balloon.
This weekend, the center will be hosting the Kaltonaka Dance Group to celebrate the seasonal cycles through prayer, song and dance.
LOCATION: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th NW, 505-843-7270
This restaurant serves New Mexican food with Native American flair. The menu offers Blue Corn Enchiladas, Indian Tacos and Fried Kool Aid Pickles to name a few options.
Gathering of Nations on Saturday (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
Shaydee Pretends Eagle, 25, Lakota/Dakota, of North Dakota, wraps her braids before the start of the Gathering of Nations on Saturday. (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
Xavier Martin, 20, Dine/Zuni, from Utah, competes in the Junior Men's Grass special contest at Gathering of Nations on Saturday.
Gathering of Nations on Saturday (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
Gathering of Nations on Saturday. (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
Gathering of Nations on Saturday (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
A competitor in the Junior Women's Fancy Dance at Gathering of Nations on Saturday.
Kevin Haywahe, Lakota, of northern Canada, at Gathering of Nations on Saturday. (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
A competitor in the Junior Men's Fancy Dance at Gathering of Nations on Saturday.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will receive a grant to help agricultural entrepreneurs.Journal File
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day 2021 with many performances Monday throughout the day including the Sky City Buffalo Ram dancers from Acoma Pueblo. Pictured is Athena Martinez, 14, performing during a dance.Roberto E. Rosales
Ehecatl Aztec Dancers perform at the inaugural New Mexico Indigenous Day Celebration held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in November 2023.Adolphe Pierre-Louis
Acoma Sky City Ram Dancer member Kalani Mariano,5, performs at the Inaugural New Mexico Indigenous Day Celebration held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural CenterAdolphe Pierre-Louis
A mural by Francis Tafoya at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.Courtesy of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
This micaceous pottery vessel by Lonnie Vigil was added to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center permanent collection.Courtesy of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Zuni Pueblo’s Cellicion Dance Group are some of the performers at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The center is a space to celebrate the 19 pueblos of New Mexico.Courtesy of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
The El Rio Cafe in downtown Albuquerque.Adria Malcolm for the Albuquerque Journal
Fabby “Espitia” Archuleta and Joshua Archuleta, husband and wife co-owners of The El Rio Cafe, pose for a portrait inside the cafe located in downtown Albuquerque, NM on July 15, 2021.Adria Malcolm for the Albuquerque Journal
Fabby “Espitia” Archuleta, co-owner of The El Rio Cafe, waits on patrons of the newly opened cafe in downtown Albuquerque, NM on July 15, 2021.Adria Malcolm for the Albuquerque Journal
Shyla Sheppard/founder and President of the Bow and Arrow Brewery.Jim Thompson
