Indian Powwows in New Mexico

New Mexico features two not-to-be-missed powwows for anyone who wants to learn about American Indian culture, or who just wants to have a good time: the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, held every August in Gallup, NM; and the Gathering of Nations Powwow, held in the spring in Albuquerque, NM. Although a large share of American Indians live in New Mexico, these events attract thousands of Indians from throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The powwows allow Indians to get together for social and competitive singing and dancing, and to celebrate Indian culture and traditional pride. Through these public powwows, they extend the traditions to non-Indians as well.

The powwows are built around colorful costumes and dramatic ceremonial dances, each imbued with traditional meanings for the dancers: victory dances once danced in preparation for war; animal dances reflecting Indians’ relationships with animals; rituals to signify rebirth, forgiveness, new beginning; dances that praise women; dances for healing, prayer, giving; dances that celebrate the old people.

When American Indians dance, their senses are heightened through the cultural chants, drummings and songs. In the powwows, visitors can listen to the haunting, mystical sounds and be transported via the imagination to other times and places.

But dancing is only one ingredient of today’s modern powwows. The Indian markets offer exquisite Indian-made jewelry, pottery, art and other crafts. Juried art shows reflect the high quality of art that’s available for purchase.

Food is also a big part of the powwows. Sample traditional Indian fry bread, grilled corn, mutton stew and other types of Native American foods.

You can watch calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding and clowns’ antics at the all-Indian rodeos.

A special event in these powwows is the crowning of the (Gallup) Ceremonial Queen and Miss Indian World at the Gathering of Nations.

Following are the particulars for the two powwows:

87th Annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

You could not find a more perfect setting for this event than beautiful Red Rock State Park just outside of Gallup. The ceremonial is held annually in August. In 2008, the four-day event runs Aug. 6-10. The very popular ceremonial has been run since 1922. The powwow opens at 10 a.m. daily.

Plan to stay at least a couple of days. You’ll get goosebumps at the Indian Dance Performance on Friday night in the Red Rock Park Main Arena, as Indians as diverse as Hopis and Aztecs enter the spotlight one at a time and dance their special traditional dances.

Be sure to check out the excellent museum as well as wall-to-wall events over the four days.

26th Annual Gathering of Nations

In 2009, the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow is scheduled for April 25 & 26. at the University of New Mexico Arena in Albuquerque. Doors open at 10 a.m. The dramatic Grand Entry of the dancers begins at noon on Friday, followed by competitive dancing throughout the afternoon and the next day. The event pays more than $175,000 in awards.

More than 3,000 Indian dancers, representing more than 500 tribes will be participating. 800 artists, crafters and traders will sell their art in the Indian Traders Market.

Miss Indian World will be chosen, based on personality, knowledge of tribal tradition, and dancing ability.

Smaller powwows are held in New Mexico through the year.