Native Americans

Native American culture remains very much a part of modern life in many parts of the U.S., particularly the southwest. Nowhere is the vibrancy of Native culture more apparent than in the annual Gathering of Nations held in Albuquerque, NM, which draws Indian tribes from across the U.S. and Canada. The Gathering includes solemn spiritual rituals as well as colorful dances, music, crafts, food and contests.

In addition, many Pueblos continue to thrive in New Mexico. Photos here include scenes from the Acoma Pueblo's "Sky City" area, a village built atop a high mesa that predates by centuries the arrival of Europeans, as well as the Pueblos of Laguna and Isleta.

The southwestern United States also contains many ruins of past indigenous cultures. Photos from some of them can be found on the Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde pages.