Of New Mexico's two American Indian groups, the Pueblo Indians can trace their evolution from a prehistory among pit houses and cliff dwellings to stable village life. Many of the pit houses and cliff dwellings can be seen today. The other group, the Athapascans, which include Apaches and Navajo, arrived later - just a couple of hundred years before Europeans.
In New Mexico, more than in any other State in the United States, the American Indian's presence is most notable. Actively involved in business, politics and educational opportunities, this group of Americans is truly entrenched in today's modern life, yet, careful to preserve their own culture.
Indian Pueblos:
Seventeen Indian Pueblos are dispersed throughout Central and Northern New Mexico in addition to the Jicarilla Apache and Navajo Reservation in the North and the Mescalero Apache Reservation in South Central New Mexico. Most pueblos prohibit photography, sketching, or recording. Check with each pueblo prior to undertaking any of these activities.
Acoma - A refuge for Indians fleeing the Spanish following the 1680 revolt, this 357-foot-high mesa - "Sky City"-is the home of the Acoma Indians. Only some 50 Acomans live topside today, but feast days bring hundreds from surrounding villages. Its annual feast day is San Esteban Feast Day which is celebrated September 2. Guided tours of this 70-acre, 12th century village are operated from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., fall and winter; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. spring and summer. Acoma is 12 miles south of Interstate 40.
Cochiti -Famous for its seated storyteller dolls covered with listening children, Cochiti is also famous for its deep-toned ceremonial drums. Its feast day - San Buenaventura - is July 14. A church dating back to 1628 can be visited and nearby is the town of Cochiti Lake with water sports and fishing; an 18-hole golf course; tennis courts; campgrounds and much more. Cochiti Pueblo is located west of Interstate 25 about 45 miles north of Albuquerque - just 15 minutes south of Santa Fe.
Jemez - The last remaining Tewa-speaking pueblo located in the valley of the Jemez mountains along the swift-flowing Jemez River. The main Walatowa Village is open to visitors during feast days: August 2, the feast of St. Persingula, observed by Corn Dances and the Pecos Bull Dance; and, November 12, the Feast of San Diego. However, you can visit Giusewa, an ancestral village located on NM 44, a mile north of Jemez Springs. For information call 1-505-829-3530. You can also fish at one of two lakes for a fee.
Laguna - It consists of six villages today. The area around the villages has been occupied by Archaic Indians as far back as 3,000 BC. While each village celebrates its own feast day, all the villages commemorate the Feast of St. Joseph on September 19. Pottery is available and fishing is available by acquiring a permit by calling 1-505-522-7512. The Pueblo is located 46 miles west of Albuquerque just off Interstate 40.
Nambe- On October 4, the pueblo honors St. Francis of Assisi, also the patron saint of Santa Fe. A July 4th Nambe Falls Ceremonial includes an arts and crafts fair. It is noted for its micaceous pots. There is a fee for photography, sketching,or tape/video recording. The pueblo is located 22 miles northeast of Santa Fe. For information on Indian guided tours, call 1-800-946-2643.
Picuris -Once the largest pueblo, today it is the smallest Tiwa pueblo. The pueblo offers self-guided tours to excavated structures. Camera permits are available. Fishing in one of two lakes is available by permit. The pueblo's San Lorenzo Feast day is August 10 and includes Indian dances, pole climbing and a morning foot race. Picuris is near Penasco on NM 75, about 65 miles north of Santa Fe. Call 1-505-587-2957 for more information.
Pojoaque - Consisting of 200 members, this pueblo was nearly destroyed by war and disease. Today, this pueblo's economy is booming. The Poeh Center and Museum has a collection of contemporary northern pueblo art and other exhibits, and is the site of traditional Indian dances on weekends. The pueblo's feast day is December 12 in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are also dances on January 6. Pojoaque is at US 84-285 and NM 502, 16 miles north of Santa Fe. Call 1-505-455-3460 for more information.
Sandia - Visited by Coronado in 1540, this pueblo balances traditional values with modern economic development. Bien Mur, located in a large circular structure, is one of the largest Indian-owned trading posts in the Southwest. Sandia Lakes is a 70 acre recreation are offering permit fishing, picnic tables, walking trails and horseback riding. Located just north of Albuquerque, off Interstate 25 via Exit 234. For more information, call 1-505-897-3971.
San Felipe - Founded in 1706, this pueblo is noted for its ceremonial dances. this pueblo is very protective of their traditions, but welcomes visitors for the May 1 annual feast day for the Green Corn Dance. Heishi, beadwork and pottery are crafts that are available. Observe the pueblo's "no photo, sketching or audio recording" signs. San Felipe is off Interstate 25 about 25 miles north of Albuquerque. Call 1-505-867-3381 for more information.
San Ildefonso - The most visited northern pueblo, this pueblo is noted internationally for its highly polished black pottery with black-matte designs. The visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Maps are available and permits for non-commercial photography, sketching and recording are permitted except during ceremonials. Fishing and picnic permits are available. The January 23 feast day begins at dawn with an Animal Dance. Located off NM 502, just 22 miles northwest of Santa Fe.
San Juan - Traditionally San Juan (O'ke in Tewa) was the center of an Indian meeting ground, its people so powerful that only an O'ke native could declare war for the pueblos. Today, the pueblo houses the headquarters of the Eight Northern Pueblos Agency and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Fishing is by permit. There is a fee to take photos or sketch. It is located off NM 68, five miles north of Espanola. Call 1-505-852-4400 for more information.
Santa Ana - Infrequently open to the public: January1-6; Easter; June 24 and 29; feast days-July 25-26; and December 25-28. The tribe has been assimilated into the mainstream and runs several business ventures including a crafts cooperative, 27 hole golf course and the Prairie Star Restaurant. Picnicking is available and the old pueblo is located eight miles northwest of Bernalillo on NM 44. Call 1-505-867-3301 for more information.
Santa Clara - Located near Espanola, Santa Clara is noted for its pottery which includes redwear, carved blackware, melon bowls, polychrome and more. An admission free village allows 1visitors to visit with artists working on their wares. The Pueblo is home of Santa Clara Canyon, a deep, tree-lined retreat with fishing lakes, and campsites, all available with permit. Guided and self-guided tours of Puye Cliff and Top House, and mesa-top ruins are available. Located on NM 30, two miles south of Espanola, the feast day is August 12. For information call 1-505-753-7326.
Santa Domingo - Conservative in tradition, its internationally renown ceremonial dance is held August 4, honoring St. Dominic. It attracts some 2,000 Native Americans to the Corn Dance. A carnival, arts and crafts, and food booths are open to the public. There is no admission, but donations are encouraged. Santa Domingo is northwest of Interstate 25, just 25 miles south of Santa Fe. Call, 1-505-465-2214.
Taos - The pueblo, a national historic monument, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter. The pueblo's Pow-Wow held the second weekend in July is reminiscent of the days when other tribes and trappers visited to trade. The pueblo's San Geronimo feast day is Sept. 30. When visiting the pueblo, please respect "off limits" signs. The pueblo charges an admission fee and fees for photos etc. It is located two miles north of Taos. Call 1-505-758-1028 for more information.
Zia - Once boasting of 6,000 people, today Zia's population is about 700. The "zia" sun symbol used as the basis for the State's emblem emblazoned on the state's flag originated here. Zia potters are noted for their geometric designs and animal and plant motifs on white backgrounds. The annual feast day, honoring Our Lady of the Assumption, is August 15. Fishing is also available by permit. The pueblo is located eight miles northwest of Santa Ana Pueblo on NM 44. Call 1-505-867-3304 for more information.
Zuni - Once thought by Spanish explorers to be one of the legendary golden "Cities of Cibola", this pueblo is known for its silver and turquoise. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission at the center of the old village can be visited during limited hours. Fishing and hunting permits are available at the Fish and Wildlife Office. Zuni Pueblo is 34 miles south of Gallup, off NM 53. Call 1-505-782-4481.
Jicarilla Apache - Nomadic wanderers, ranging as far east as Kansas, they moved to the Sangre de Cristos about 1720. Recently, the Jicarillas have been reclaiming their old land by buying several ranches and a resort. Rich in natural resources such as oil, the tribe's capital is Dulce which is usually quiet except during mid-September's celebration of Go-Jii_ya Feast Day and Stone Lake Fiesta and July's Little Beaver Roundup. Tremendous hunting and fishing, as well as camping and cross-country skiing are available. This reservation is in the northwest area of New Mexico. For information call 1-505-759-3663.
Mescalero Apache - The Mescalero Reservation, located in the southcentral part of New Mexico, has a wide range of outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, horseback riding, and tennis. Mescalero traditions remain strong, as evidenced by the Apache Maidens' Puberty Rites in early July in Mescalero. No cameras are allowed. The Inn of the Mountain Gods serves as a central point for visitors. Located near Ruidoso, more information is available by calling 1-505-671-4494.
Navajo - With more than 200,00 members, this is the largest U.S. Indian Tribe. About 7,400 square miles of nation is in northwestern New Mexico, including 16 fishing lakes. Hunting is permitted by permit. October sports the Navajo Fair and the Yei-Be-Chai healing ceremony. Silver smithing, woven rugs are among the crafts. Camping or hiking is available. For more information, call 1-505-871-6436.
