ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) is pleased to announce that it will host its 40thAnnual American Indian Week (AIW) Monday through Sunday, April 22–28. The festival offers thousands of visitors the opportunity to experience Pueblo culture through Native dances, art workshops, pottery and jewelry vendors, and Native Sourced, Pueblo Inspired cuisine. Highlights include a Spring Art Market with dozens of Native art vendors on Saturday and Sunday.
“Each April our fellow Native Americans from across the continent come together in Albuquerque for the Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow, and we embrace the opportunity to invite everyone to the Center as well in the spirit of Pueblo hospitality,” said IPCC President and CEO Mike Canfield (Laguna Pueblo). “Whether you’re a local or visiting from thousands of miles away, everyone is welcome to come experience the Pueblo story and join in our celebration.”
Visitors will enjoy a full schedule of more than 30 cultural Native dances in the mural-lined courtyard by Pueblo, Hopi, and Apache dance groups, including the Zuni Olla Maidens of Zuni Pueblo, Sky City Buffalo Ram Dance Group of Acoma Pueblo, Cellicion Dance Group of Zuni Pueblo, and the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoon at 1 p.m., Shumakolowa Native Arts will host workshops conducted by Native art experts. Meanwhile, Native artists will off their creations at vendor booths in the courtyard daily, and staff and docents will be available to enrich visitors’ self-guided tours in the museum.
On Saturday at 1 p.m., Martha Romero of Nambé Pueblo will give a cooking demonstration in traditional micaceous pottery, and on Sunday at 1 p.m., Clarence Cruz of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo will give a presentation on the history and technique of making traditional Pueblo pottery.
Visitors can complete their immersion in Pueblo culture with Native Sourced, Pueblo Inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-site Pueblo Harvest, whose acclaimed culinary team serves up local favorites like Green Chile Stew, Posole, Blue Corn Enchiladas, and the Tewa Taco. In addition to regional favorites, Pueblo Harvest is among the first restaurants in the United States to offer pre-European-contact dishes, allowing diners to experience a rich flavor palette from half a millennium ago. The selections serve as a meaningful insight into the wealth of flavors of an indigenous diet that are lesser-known to mainstream culinary audiences, while highlighting Native cuisine and adding merit to Albuquerque and New Mexico being increasingly popular dining destinations.
American Indian Week will conclude with the IPCC’s Spring Art Market on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, featuring dozens of artist booths offering handmade works like jewelry, pottery, paintings, rugs, and sculpture. The Spring Art Market supplements AIW’s activities with an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to meet, talk with, and shop directly from Native artists in the heart of Albuquerque.
The IPCC and Pueblo Harvest are located at 2401 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. American Indian Week takes place during the museum’s open hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, while Pueblo Harvest serves dinner through 9 p.m. daily. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Pueblo Harvest’s Party on the Patio will go into full swing with live bands and a build-your-own taco bar and a buffet of unlimited fresh horno-baked pizza. The party starts at 6 p.m. each night with a cover charge.