Shining a spotlight: Kurt Wyaco one of hundreds participating in Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival

The Pueblo of Pojoaque and the Poeh Cultural Center are at it again.

The two entities are collaborating to present Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival. This year’s festival runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, Saturday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 20 at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino.

According to officials, there will be more than 350 Native artists participating in the festival. The events range from music to panels to exhibitors. The event runs concurrently with SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market in downtown Santa Fe.

“We are excited about the festival because it’s an all-inclusive event that’s planned by Indigenous people, run by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people,” says Karl Duncan, executive director of the Poeh Cultural Center. “We’re committed to providing new opportunities for Indigenous creative entrepreneurs as they envision and advance an Indigenous future.”

Kurt Wyaco is one of the dozens of musicians set to perform during the three-day event.

Wyaco is known by the stage name I Conscious. He will perform at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 20.

Over the course of the event, Wyaco will share the same stage as Dach Martin, Def-I, Djarin, G Precious, Gary Farmer & The Troublemakers, Jacob Shije, Nataanii Mean, Neon Nativez, One Way Sky, Oak Canyon Dance Group, Sage Cornelius, Side Montero and more.

Wyaco says being involved in the festival is an honor because the event is run by Indigenous people, as well as showcasing Indigenous art.

“I’ve been trying to ease back into the music scene,” says Wyaco, who lives in Zuni Pueblo. “I’m looking forward to getting back on stage and see the smiling faces.”

Wyaco is looking forward to getting out of Zuni for the performance because while the pueblo can be nice and quiet, sometimes it’s too much.

“Zuni is in the middle of nowhere and there’s no traffic, so life is very simple,” he says. “As an artist, I want to be in front of people performing.”

I Conscious is known for its blend of reggae music with an Indigenous flare.

Wyaco is inspired by the world and listens to a variety of music.

“Any chance I get to share the stage and share with other artists, it’s a great thing,” he says. “I think it’s important to keep track of the community and see what my brothers and sisters are doing.”