2020 Bosque Redondo Memorial Gourd Dance
Join us for the Bosque Redondo Memorial Gourd Dance on May 10, 2020 at the Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial in Fort Sumner, New Mexico from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Many Navajo and Mescalero Apache Elders are journeying from the Four Corners region and the area surrounding the Sacramento Mountains to be a part of this historic dance, despite what their oral traditions have dictated.
Note: This event will not be held in 2018. Tentative plans are in the works to hold it in 2020. Check back for further information.
For many, the oral traditions passed down from the generations held in captivity at Bosque Redondo Reservation, have stated not to go back to Fort Sumner or speak of the atrocities that occurred. However, the current generations understand that the contemporary tragedy occurring is the loss of cultural history with their youth. Through this dance, they are reclaiming that history. We invite you and your families to join us on this momentous occasion.
Additionally, there will be respected speakers, traditional foods, and craft vendors from both the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Navajo Nation present. Admission is free. Please join us and let the healing begin.
Beginning at 8:00 p.m., Joe Tohonnie Jr. and the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers will be performing their fire dance to close the ceremonies.
Public Welcome – Free Admission
Schedule
11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Gourd Dance
8:00 p.m. Joe Tohonnie Jr. & White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers
Event Features
* Raffles
* Giveaways
* Food Vendors
* Arts & Crafts Vendors
* Camping available
Head Staff
M.C.: Mike Burgess, Comanche, Lawton, OK
Head Gourd Dancer: Al Footracer, Dine´, Prescott, AZ
Head Lady Gourd Dancer: Marjorie Washee Begay, Dine´/White Mountain Apache/Cheyenne, Dallas, TX
Host Drum: Hale & Company, Dine´ Nation, Pico Rivera, CA
Arena Director: Tyrone Benally, Dine´/Zuni, Breadsprings, NM
Co-Hosting Gourd Societies: Mescalero Apache Gourd Society, Mescalero, NM and Dine´ Land Gourd Society, Gallup, NM
Raffle Coordinator: Merrick Tate, Dine´, Inscription House, AZ
Gourd Dance Coordinators: Elle Curley-Jackson, Dine´, Coyote Canyon, NM and JJ Ahboah, Kiowa/Cheyenne, Anadarko, OK
Special Guests: Joe Tohonnie Jr. and the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers, Whiteriver, AZ
Location
Bosque Redondo Memorial
3647 Billie the kid road
Fort Sumner, NM 88119
505.918.9617
For More Information:
Food Booths/Arts & Crafts: JJ Ahboah 505-918-9617 elle_jj1225@yahoo.com
About Gourd Dancing
Gourd Dancing actually originated with the Kiowa Tribe. According to Kiowa Gourd Dance coordinator JJ Ahboah, “in the time when humans could still communicate with animals, a Kiowa man was separated from his tribe. Lost, hungry, and dehydrated, he began to hear singing. Following the singing, he came upon a Red Wolf standing upright. This Red Wolf shared songs and dances with the Kiowa man from sunrise to sunset. When the Kiowa man returned to his tribe, he shared all of the songs and dances with them.[su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”Read More”]
This dance began as a warriors dance as well as to promote well-being within the tribe. Now it has evolved into a social dance, because so many other tribes have adopted it.” The Navajo and the Mescalero Apache adopted Gourd Dancing in the mid 20th Century.
Today, Gourd Dances can be held for many purposes such as: return of veterans, birthdays, or in the case of Fort Sumner Historic Site, to promote healing and strengthening of intertribal relations.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]
The Bosque Redondo Memorial Gourd Dance is a drug and alcohol free event. Fort Sumner Historic Site / Bosque Redondo Memorial is not responsible for thefts or damage to vehicles.
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Bosque Redondo Memorial Gourd Dance on Mother’s Day weekend in May at the Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
Tags: Bosque Redondo Memorial Gourd Dance, New Mexico Powwow, New Mexico Pow Wow