Albuquerque and Santa Fe host events for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Communities across New Mexico are gathering for public cultural celebrations on Monday, Oct. 12. The events honor Native American history and culture through dances, art, and music.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque features artists, vendors, speakers, and traditional dances throughout the day. Activities begin in the morning.

• Native Artists and Vendors: All day
• Oak Canyon Dance Group (Pueblo of Jemez): 10 a.m.
• The Next Generation Dance Group (Pueblo of Acoma): 11 a.m.
• Cellicion Traditional Dance Group (Pueblo of Zuni): 12 p.m.
• Speakers: 1 p.m.
• Matachines: 1:30 p.m.
• Tlacoyolt Dance Group (Chichimeca Mexica Azteca): 2 p.m.
• Hopi & Tewa Dance Group (Tewa & Hopi Tribes): 3 p.m.
• Northern/Southern Dance Group (Ohkay Owingeh): 4 p.m.

Additional festivities take place down the street at Avanyu Plaza in Albuquerque. The site offers a photobooth, a live painter, and face painting.

Children can use a coloring station and work on a mini mural. Native artists and vendors will also sell items on site.

• Music by DJ Wae Fonky: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Ha`aheo O Hawai`i Dance Group: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tlacoyolt Dance Group (Chichimeca Mexica Azteca): 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Rude Boyz Band: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In Santa Fe, the Honoring Native Nations Powwow returns to the Santa Fe Plaza. The public schedule starts early.

• Opening Prayer and Land Acknowledgement: 9 a.m.
• Native Art Booths Open: 9 a.m.
• Tesuque Pueblo Cottonwood Dancers: 9:15 a.m.
• Champion Hoop Dancers of the Southwest: 10 a.m.
• Mountain Eagle from Jemez Pueblo: 11 a.m.
• Grand Entry & Parade of Nations: 12 p.m.
• Closing: 4:30 p.m.

The annual holiday occurs on the second Monday of October every year. Communities hold gatherings on this day to recognize Indigenous heritage and traditions.

The celebrations across the state are open to local residents and visitors. All activities run through late afternoon.