Communities in Santa Fe and Albuquerque planned a weekend of events leading up to Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 12, KOAT reports.
Indian Affairs Secretary Josett Monette said the day is a chance to honor Native identity, respect Tribal sovereignty and recognize what Indigenous people contribute to New Mexico. She said she hopes the state keeps setting a standard for the rest of the country.
In Santa Fe, the Native Art Market held a soft opening. Co-founder Heather Tracy told KOAT the market features more than 200 Native artisans, who receive direct deposits for their sales. She said Native arts and crafts are a billion-dollar business, but Native Americans see less than 1% of that revenue. Tracy said the market’s mission is "to create safe spaces for Natives to sell directly to the public," KOAT reported.
Santa Fe planned to close its lineup with the fourth annual Native Nations Powwow on the Plaza. In Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Avanyu Plaza scheduled dance performances and other activities from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Native Collective Leadership of Albuquerque planned a celebration at Tiguex Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with former NMSU and Kentucky football player Shiyazh Pete expected to attend.
Why It Matters
The Native Art Market lets more than 200 Native artisans sell directly to buyers, in a trade where Tracy said Native Americans receive less than 1% of revenue.
About This Story
Daily Reports is Brant.One’s news roundup. Each day we gather the New Mexico stories worth knowing from newsrooms across the state, sum them up and point you to the source. This one comes from KOAT’s reporting, and their original story has the interviews and full details.
Editor’s note: Updated Oct. 31, 2026. This story is now part of Daily Reports, our New Mexico news roundup, and was revised to credit KOAT’s original reporting. Learn how Daily Reports works in our editorial standards.
