When I lived in New Mexico, I had the pleasure of being surrounded by Native American teachers. I worked with Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and Zuni. I met and shared time with Acoma and Laguna. What wonderful people, in so close proximity, with similar, yet very different beliefs, and lifestyles.
A friend emailed me yesterday and asked where to visit and learn about Native American history on a road trip through New Mexico. The answer is "a whole bunch of places". There is an excellent museum in Albuquerque, but knowing this woman as I do, I know she meant REALLY learning, as in "directly from the people". The best answer I could come up with, was Sky City ( http://sccc.acomaskycity.org/ ). Sky City is breathtakingly beautiful, absolutely authentic, a wonderful learning experience, and there are some beautiful people there.
Sky City is just off of Rt 40, just about the only road to run through NM. Once you are finished touring the pueblo, there is a casino nearby with a hotel, food, and gas. It is a mixture of the ancient and modern convenience all in a few square miles. Albuquerque is minutes away and has everything you could possibly need.
I did not learn much about my heritage (Narragansett and Pequot) out west, but I learned TONS of tradition, belief systems, culture and history. All from wonderful people who are happy to share. You can spend days listening to a traditional Navajo story, or walk (respectfully) through pueblos still inhabited by different tribes. It is all beautiful and a wonderful learning experience.
If you are ever traveling down Rt 40 through New Mexico, stop at Sky City, or any of the other places along the way.The People will be happy to educate you , better than any museum.
Another reader always reminds me to give Friday homework...this has become a tradition here. So, look and see how many Pueblo tribes you can find in the US. I have been on the land of three of them, so you know there are at least three. Let's see what you can find, and if you are ever in the neighborhood, stop in. Be a respectful visitor, not a tourist, and check at the visitor's centers first to see what you can and cannot do and where you can and cannot go (many places do not allow picture taking or entry into some sacred areas).
Whenever in an unfamiliar setting, check out the rules first, it will keep you from making a fool of yourself and insulting anyone. This is VERY important!
Happy travels!
Peshaui Wequashimese
(C)2011 Triple Moon Goddess, May Not be used, copied, or reproduced without prior written permission.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please remember that the blog is for helping and teaching. Any comments found to be abusive, hateful, negative or SPAM will not be published. My readers come here for positive solutions and growth, not negativity, arguments, nor hate.