June 6, 2018 | Community Spotlight: Zuni Pueblo MainStreet |
The Zuni Pueblo MainStreet is the nation's first (and so far, only) Native American Main Street community. In 2012, the Zuni Pueblo MainStreet organization was created to encourage revitalization of its local economy while continuing to preserve the unique traditional and historic elements of Zuni Pueblo.
Nestled in a scenic valley in northwest New Mexico, Zuni Pueblo is referred to as Halona: Idiwan’a (the Middle Place) and is surrounded by enchanting mesas. The main reservation is in both McKinley and Cibola counties in the western part of New Mexico, often referred to as the “Four Corners” region and encompasses roughly 450,000 acres. Zuni lands host a variety of habitats and natural resources, with elevations ranging from nearly 8,000 feet on the western slope of the Continental Divide to about 6,000 feet in other areas.
“I am very proud to call Zuni Pueblo my home...it's far from perfect, but we pride ourselves tremendously for having persevered through many challenges over the course of several centuries with our unique heritage, traditions and language remaining intact. Our ancestors long ago journeyed to find Idiwan'a, or the Middle Place of the world where we now reside next to our sacred mesa Dowa Yalanne (see photo above). My people are unique and speak Shiwi'ma, a language that is unrelated to any other in the world. We are a community of artists, and approximately 80 percent of Zuni families are involved in various types of arts and crafts, silversmithing, pottery-making, stone carving, woodwork, textiles/weaving, painting and many other art forms," said Wells Mahkee Jr., Executive Director of Zuni Pueblo MainStreet.
Pictured above is the Anshe:kwe (Bear) Dance Group performing at the Zuni Pueblo MainStreet Festival this past May. The theme this year was “Celebrating the heART of Zuni Pueblo.” As part of their affirmation of culture and tradition, Zuni Royalty often perform with the dance groups during the MainStreet Festival and Zuni Fair. The Zuni Royalty Organization is primarily responsible for the positions of Miss Zuni, Junior Miss Zuni, Zuni Prince and Zuni Princess. These individuals are positive role models for our youth and travel to different places representing Zuni Pueblo. New royalty is chosen each year during the Annual Zuni Fair.
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