San Juan College to Host Annual Gourd Dance and Intertribal Powwow in April

San Juan College's Native American Center is set to bring its annual Gourd Dance and Intertribal Powwow back to the Health & Human Performance Center (HHPC) gymnasium on April 11, with the all-day celebration running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 4601 College Boulevard in Farmington. Admission is free.

The event draws dancers, drummers, and spectators from across the Four Corners region and beyond, filling the HHPC gymnasium with a Native Arts and Crafts Fair, food vendors, dancing, music, and activities for all ages. Two host drum groups anchor the musical program: Iron Bear, the Northern Host Drum from Table Mesa, NM, representing Cree, Pueblo and Navajo traditions, and Smoke Stack, the Southern Host Drum from Dooalkaii, NM, carrying the rhythms of the Dine' people.

Brandon Ashley, Director of the Native American Center, has emphasized the value of the indoor venue, which the center moved the powwow into for the first time in 2025. "This change ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees, no matter the weather," Ashley said. The shift brought the event under one roof for the first time in the powwow's annual history at the college, replacing outdoor exposure with a climate-controlled space that accommodates competitors, drum groups, craft vendors, and spectators alike.

Ashley framed the gathering as an open invitation to the broader Farmington community. "This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and celebrate the spirit of unity, heritage, and the richness of Native and Indigenous traditions," he said. "Whether it's your first powwow or a long-standing tradition, we warmly invite the entire community to join us."

The powwow is organized by the SJC Native American Center. For more information, contact the center at 505-566-3321 or 505-566-3623, or reach San Juan College's main line at 505-326-3311.