Jewelry Demonstration, Lorenzo Coriz, Santo Domingo Pueblo, 1997 Photo: Marcia Keegan

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Following the signing of a proclamation by New Mexico Governor Garrey Carruthers in 1987, the first American Indian Week, which subsequently became an annual event, was held in Albuquerque to highlight the many contributions made by the first inhabitants of the Southwest -- Native Americans. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a "natural" for hosting American Indian Week. The year 2000 will mark the 13th annual observation of this event.

In additional to the obligatory traditional Native American music, dance, and art and crafts, events held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center over the past 12 years during this week-long celebration have included trade fairs, career days, physical fitness events, Indian writers' symposia, book signings, gatherings of Indian film makers, veterans' tributes, children's days, senior citizens events, symposia on economic development and tourism, tours of Pueblos, river tours, museum tours, and performances by high school bands from the Laguna-Acoma, Zuni and Santa Fe Indian Schools.

A top tourist attraction in the state, the Cultural Center is the only facility owned and operated by all 19 Pueblos; the American Indian Week is endorsed by the Governor of New Mexico.

Plans for the year 2000 event are underway; the theme of American Indian Week will be: American Indian: Our Land, Our Culture . This year's events will include appearances by Buddy Big Mountain, Native American ventriloquist; Autumn Morning Star, Native American storyteller; Zuni Olla Maidens; Apache Spirit Dancers; and traditional Indian dancers and storytellers.

Project materials include five pages of text and nine color slides.

Originally submitted by: Heather Wilson, Representative (1st District).

More Local Legacies... Additional New Mexico Local Legacies Local Legacies for all U.S. States

The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

Learn More About It... Related Web Site