The Santa Fe Indian Market is not the only event enjoying its 100th anniversary this August. Another one of New Mexico’s longest-running events, the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial, will celebrate its longevity with 11 days of dynamic in-person and virtual programming that showcases the multifaceted authenticity of Indigenous cultures.
Master Navajo weaver Kathy Marianito (Navajo) works with custom-spun, hand-dyed fine Churro wool to create vibrant textiles that are featured in the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial documentary.
There are more than 500 tribes in the United States and the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial hopes to have as many tribal members representing as possible. This year’s theme is “One World Beat” and scheduled events include Native American and Indigenous tribal processions and performances, a rodeo, ceremonial queen and princess pageants, a juried art show with prizes, an artisan market, a 5K walk or run, parades, a powwow, film screenings and more. This year there will also be a special presentation from performance art troupe HAKA: Māori Cultural Experience from Aotearoa/New Zealand and Pamyua - Yup’ik tribe from Alaska.
Silversmith Steve Arviso (Navajo) is the only Native American trader in Gallup. Arviso is also a ceremonial rodeo participant at this year’s event.
“It is important to note, in 1922, and now in 2022, the world was overcoming a pandemic and we are looking forward to seeing each other once again,” says Intertribal Ceremonial Office executive director Melissa Sanchez. “Historically, the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial, has always been instrumental in bringing people together, and from many directions, then and now.”
Arviso’s intimate connection with the turquoise he works with translates into stunning designs of silver and stone.
A 2021 TV documentary called Spirit of the Ceremonial is another platform for the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Commission to share its longtime objective to showcase, educate, promote and preserve the diversity of Native American and Indigenous cultural heritage and unite audiences through a shared appreciation of its beauty.
Multitalented designer JT Willie (Navajo) works across many mediums including beadwork, attire, jewelry and collectables.
The centennial event will honor the generations that has kept this annual tradition alive since its inception while shining a spotlight on present-day Native American tribal participants.
Mary Lovato (Santo Domingo Pueblo) is renowned for her exquisite mosaic inlay and shellwork.
“Evolution has always been demonstrated through the resilience of Native American peoples as we adapted and excelled, as the world changed around us, and the same has occurred for the Ceremonial, says Sanchez. “Long ago contributions began with volunteerism, sharing meals, providing water and hay for visitors’ livestock, gift baskets of flour, salt, and fruit for visiting tribal groups, and livestock for the rodeos and parades. In the early days…they would camp in the same area annually so their friends could easily find each other—this was the beginning of the ‘Ceremonial Family.’”
August 4-14, 2022
Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial
Red Rock Park 825 Outlaw Road, Church Rock, NM 87311
www.gallupintertribalceremonial.com
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