At The Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Above, the calf-roping event at the Ceremonial's rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I headed over to Red Rock Park for the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial (today's the last day). It is an annual event in which tribe get together with an art show, pow pow, dancing, singing, rodeo and vendors.

As I wandered around inside the convention hall, I ran Sandy, one of our monthly supper group members. She was volunteering at the ceremonial. We chatted for a bit.

Later, in one of the art rooms, I ran into artist Richard Yazzie and took pictures of him and his art display. He had already sold some of his artworks, so he was happy.

After checking out the vendors tables, I headed over to the rodeo arena and watched some of the events such as the breakaway, calf-roping and bronco riding. 

I did pick up a rodeo t-shirt for myself.

I may head back over again today. 

Above, the outdoor vendor area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Richard Yazzie's art display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Richard Yazzie at his display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, some of the food vendors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a performer at the ampitheater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the breakaway rodeo event. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another breakaway contestant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the bronco-riding event. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, I ran into this gal at the Flying J earlier. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the calf tie-down. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, this calf put up a good struggle during the tie-down. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the tribal pow wow area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the t-shirt I bought. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This Year's Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Above, jewelry, pottery, rugs and other Native American crafts on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the plaque dedication and the after-gathering in the bar of the El Rancho Hotel & Motel, I headed over to Red Rock Park to check out the exhibits and rodeo of the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial.

The park was almost filled to capacity when I got there. There was a long line of cars waiting to enter the park. After paying for parking and admission, I found a parking spot and was shuttled over to an area near where pow-wows were being held.

I made my way over to the Exhibit Hall where I perused the art contest entries. There were a lot of nice artworks on display, each had a price.

From there, I went over to the outdoor vendor area and then the main Exhibit Hall where more vendors were located and displays of Native American rugs, kachinas, jewelry and other crafts.

After a while inside, I went over to the rodeo arena and watched the barrel racing and team roping events. Although it was warm out, I did notice storm clouds were heading into the area. I decided that I should head home (I was a little tired after the plaque dedication and walking around) before traffic gets backed up at Exit 39 due to the road and bridge construction and the weather.

I drove east on old Route 66 to the Iyanbito bridge and then got onto Interstate 40 and got home in reasonable time with a thunderstorm in progress. It was a good thing I left when I did.

It was an enjoyable day.

Photos:

Above, the tractor towing our shuttle wagon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the pow-wow area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and below, rugs of all sizes on display. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, artworks on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a Massey Ferguson tractor on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a barrel race contestant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the team roping event. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a team roping contentant didn't fare too well: he fell off his horse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, these team roping contestants fared better. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, RRR Traders, one of the outdoor vendors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gathering of Nations 2019 Pow Wow

Above, many tribes and pueblos will be represented at the Gathering
of Nations Pow Wow like these in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the start of every month, the Gallup Walmart is crowded with people from the various Indian tribes and pueblos for their monthly shopping for food and supplies. The locals here generally refer to it, humorously, as the "Gathering of Nations".

With that in my mind, while driving into Albuquerque last weekend on Interstate 40, a huge billboard advertising the 2019 Gathering of Nations annual pow wow that will take place on April 25, 26 and 27, 2019 caught my attention.

I just checked their website and it looks like an interesting and fun event to attend. I've always enjoyed seeing other cultures (such as the Japanese oshogatsu) by attending cultural events.

According to their website:

In the past 36 years the Gathering of Nations has grown from an early, simple dream to one of the world’s most recognized annual festivals. 

From the beginning the concept has always been to produce an event where Native people can come together each year to celebrate and share culture, and a place where singers and dancers can feel confident that competition is fair to all.:

• Thee Gathering of Nations has had the opportunity to blossom into the most enjoyable, cultural, and entertaining Native festival in North America.  

• Open with the Gathering of Nations song for grand entry, the powwow program also includes the crowning of Miss Indian World. Its pageantry, along with its cultural beauty, exemplifies the pride and dignity of the culture and traditions of Native women across the United States and Canada.  

• Only at the Gathering of Nations will you partake in the isles of shopping throughout the Indian Trader’s Market, enjoying the best of native foods, Horse & Rider Parade, music on Powwow Alley’s Stage 49 featuring the Best in Native American Music Performances and Entertainment!

To read more, go here.