NM09 First People, Many Pueblos

New Mexico’s 19 pueblos generously open their doors to nontribal members and share their ancient and rich cultures. However, visitors must behave appropriately. Tribal members are not actors, and their homes are not theme parks. In the past, outsiders have tried to change pueblo culture and heritage; today, pueblos guard their traditional ways and beliefs. Here’s a list of general etiquette tips to observe while visiting pueblos:

CALL BEFORE TRAVELING TO VISIT A PUEBLO to make sure it is open that day. Pueblos may suddenly close, even if they are listed as being open. Respect the pueblo’s decision; do not insist on or try to enter the pueblo anyway.

TAKE A GUIDED TOUR. The best way to enjoy and learn about pueblos is to hear guides explain the history and traditions and let them answer your questions.

ASK BEFORE SHOOTING PHOTOGRAPHS. This is the most common etiquette breach. Photography restrictions vary at each pueblo. Often, you must purchase a permit. Likewise, ask permission before photographing residents, even if you have a camera permit. It is good manners to purchase items before photographing vendors.

ASK BEFORE ENTERING AN AREA YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT. Pueblos often open only certain portions to the public. Off-limits areas are not always clearly marked. Typically, cemeteries should never be entered or photographed.

NEVER REMOVE ANYTHING FROM THE PUEBLOS. Leave pottery shards, rocks and other items where you find them.

DON’T BOTHER RESIDENTS BY ASKING THEM GENERAL QUESTIONS. Ask your tour guide, tribal officials, or someone at the visitor center. Reading books or touring a museum before your visit is helpful. A visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque (505-843-7270) is a great place to start.

DO NOT TOUCH OR TALK TO DANCERS unless they initiate a conversation.

DO NOT APPLAUD AFTER DANCES OR TALK DURING THEM. Ceremonial dances are religious services; visitors should act accordingly.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO ENTER OR CLIMB ON KIVA LADDERS.

UNDERSTAND THAT EACH PUEBLO IS DIFFERENT. While there are many similarities, each is a sovereign nation with its own history, language, and culture.

Here’s a list of the 19 pueblos and their main tribal administration phone numbers. Always call before visiting to make sure they are open to the public that day, and to clarify any questions about photography and other potentially sensitive issues. Feast days have been listed depending on the pueblo’s wishes. Per the pueblos’ wishes, we have omitted Spanish punctuation from their names. For more information, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

ACOMA — The Old Village, or “Sky City” — was built on a 357- foot mesa for effective defense. Acoma artists are known for their intricate, fine black line rain pots. Guided walking tours offer a unique historical and cultural experience that includes San Esteban del Rey Mission. The Pueblo and Mission are Registered National Historic Landmarks. The tribe operates its Sky City Casino and a new Haak’u museum and cultural center. Feast day is Sept. 2. (505) 552-6604.

COCHITI PUEBLO, located 45 miles north of Albuquerque, maintains a nationally ranked golf course. The pueblo is known for its cottonwood drums and Storyteller pottery created by Helen Cordero in 1964. Feast day is July 4. (505) 465-2244.

ISLETA, 15 miles south of Albuquerque, offers the 27-hole Isleta Eagle golf course, Isleta Gaming Palace Casino, and year-round fishing and camping/RV areas. Governor’s Feast Day is June 17. (505) 869-3111.

JEMEZ PUEBLO is tucked in the Jeméz Mountains on N.M. 4, 30 miles northwest of Bernalillo. Photography is not permitted at the pueblo, but is allowed at its Red Rocks Recreation Area. Visit the Walatowa Visitor Center and gift shop. Feast days are Aug. 2 and Nov. 12. (505) 834-7238.

LAGUNA — 46 miles west of Albuquerque — has colorful pottery sought by collectors. Feast day is Sept. 19. (505) 552-6654.

NAMBE PUEBLO, 22 miles northeast of Santa Fe off N.M. 503, offers a cottonwood-shaded picnic and camping area near its famous Nambé Falls. Feast day is Oct. 4, and the impressive Nambé Falls Ceremonial every July 4 is open to the public. (505) 455-2036.

OHKAY OWINGEH (formerly San Juan) — five miles north of Española — offers its intricate animal-design pottery, Ohkay Casino, and Ohkay Owingeh Co-op. Feast day is June 24. (505) 852-4400.

PICURIS PUEBLO, 24 miles southeast of Taos, offers self-guided tours to archaeological ruins on its land. Feast day is Aug. 10. (575) 587- 2519.

POJOAQUE PUEBLO, 16 miles north of Santa Fe, has its impressive Poeh Center and Museum, Cities of Gold Casino, and the Buffalo Thunder Resort and golf course. Feast day is Dec. 12. (505) 455-2278.

SANDIA PUEBLO, 12 miles north of Albuquerque, operates several successful businesses, including Sandia Resort and Casino, Bien Muir Indian Market, and Sandia Lakes. Feast day is June 13. (505) 867-3317.

SAN FELIPE PUEBLO, 10 miles north of Bernalillo, operates its popular Casino Hollywood and Speedway off of Interstate 25. Visitors are invited to attend its May 1 feast day. (505) 867-3381.

SAN ILDEFONSO — Twenty-two miles northwest of Santa Fe, San Ildefonso is perhaps best known as the home of famed late-potter Maria Martinez, whose highly polished black-on-black pottery is highly valued worldwide. Feast day is Jan. 23. (575) 455-3549.

SANTA ANA — with its Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, 27-hole Twin Warriors golf course, Prairie Star Restaurant, and other tribally owned business — is home to the most successful tribes in the country. Its center is north of Bernalillo at U.S. 550 near Interstate 25. Feast day is July 26. (505) 867-3301.

SANTA CLARA, two miles south of Española, is known for its red pottery, black-on-black pottery, and other high-quality arts. It operates Big Rock Casino in Española, and its Puyé Cliff Dwellings and Harvey House are open to public tours. Feast day is Aug. 12. (505) 747-2455, 753-7326.

SANTO DOMINGO, 25 miles south of Santa Fe, is one of the largest and most traditional pueblos. It is known for its exceptionally beautiful ceremonies. Feast day is Aug. 4. (505) 465-2214.

TAOS PUEBLO’s ancient, multistoried buildings, fine pottery, jewelry, and intertribal ceremonies make it a must-see. Sitting at the base of a sacred mountain, Taos Pueblo is located in some of the most beautiful, breathtaking, and unforgettable landscape in New Mexico. As a World Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo is internationally recognized as one of the oldest and continuously inhabited Native communities in North America, and is the most painted and photographed. Its world famous architecture reflects the ancient times and cultures of the pueblo Southwest with her influence represented in Southwestern architecture and art that has evolved into the present. It is closed from mid-March through mid-April. The pueblo operates the Taos Mountain Casino. Feast day is Sept. 30. (575) 758-1028.

TESUQUE, a small village 10 miles north of Santa Fe, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tribe maintains a camping area and a store that sells traditional artwork, as well as Camel Rock Casino, named for a camelshaped rock formation on its land visible from U.S. 285. It also manages the popular and eclectic Tesuque Flea Market. Feast day is June 3. (505) 983-2667.

ZIA is a small pueblo known for its geometric pottery designs, including the sun symbol that graces the New Mexico state flag. Zia operates a small cultural center and fishing areas. Feast day is Aug. 15. (505) 867-3304.

ZUNI, 34 miles south of Gallup, was originally thought by the Spanish to be one of the Seven Cites of Gold. While visitors may not find gold, they will find exquisite silver and turquoise jewelry and unique stone-carved fetishes. The most populous pueblo, Zuni operates its Ashiwa Awan Museum and Heritage Center. (505) 782-7238.

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