IIAmericas Celebration: Santa Fe Days

The Indigenous Institute of the Americas 15th annual American Indian celebration, Santa Fe Days, will be held at the ancient buffalo trails (Ahn Daw Gaw Beeh'-Kiowa) near Cleburne April 1–3. You won't want to miss this exciting outdoor gathering of American Indian artists, storytellers, championship dancers, cultural knowledge keepers, traditional cooks, stickball players, singers, and drummers.

Join featured artists Damon and Irene Neal, Jicarilla Apache, and nationally recognized American Indian artists from Tribal Nations across the US. Purchase heirloom-quality jewelry, beadwork, pottery, textiles, and other artwork made with cultural knowledge refined over many generations. You're invited to enjoy the Native authors, oral storytellers, herbalists, and elders who will share about the rich complexity of Native America, past and present.

Cash and/or prizes will be presented for first through fourth place in each dance division at the John Taylor Youth Competition Pow Wow. In addition, this year will be a fashion show and contest for ribbon shirts and skirts.

The public is invited to respectfully participate in Intertribal dances, round dances, and social dances. In addition, a Memorial Honor dance and Veterans Honor dance will be dedicated each day. Join this remembrance of friends and family lost during the pandemic and honor our Active Duty and Veterans for their service to this country.

Experience the fun activities of the large Family Cultural Path. This year's theme is "Honoring Sacred Acorns." Crafts, stickball, beadwork, and plant knowledge demonstrations will be throughout the day. Yummy Indian tacos, three sisters stew, grape dumplings, frybread, and much more will be available from some of the best cooks in Indian Country. This is a family welcoming event, enjoyable for all ages.

The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum is on beautiful Lake Pat Cleburne. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the entire weekend. Alcohol, drugs, and firearms are prohibited. No dogs are allowed near the pow wow arena.

Find more family fun events every day of the week at dfwchild.com/calendar.