Update: On June 17, 2020, the Gathering of Nations decided to suspend the programming that had been announced in the press release.
“We had the best of intentions to respectfully honor the Pueblos during this Covid situation, since we all share the same state and technically greater Native community of New Mexico,” Gathering of Nations and Miss Indian World Program Coordinator Melonie Mathews (Santa Clara Pueblo) said in an email.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday June 11, 2020
Albuquerque, New Mexico
GATHERING OF NATIONS /GATHERING OF NATIONS INTERNET RADIO
TO FEATURE
“SONGS OF THE PUEBLOS”
On Traditional Pueblo Feast Days in New Mexico
In March, when the state of New Mexico was officially considered to be in a health crisis due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), it took all of us by surprise and we have witnessed the devastating effects of this virus in many ways. Most importantly, it came into our communities, Pueblos and villages, taking the lives and spirit of the Pueblo people. Unfortunately, and sadly, it also has affected the public coming together and gatherings to pray and honor a cultural way of life. The Gathering of Nations has always sought to present Native American culture in the most positive and respectful way for almost four decades. The Gathering of Nations, while it primarily focuses on the Gathering of Nations Powwow, it has presented dances of the Pueblos at the Gathering of Nations which was an extraordinary special presentation, sharing the Pueblo songs and dances for all of the tribes that were present to feel the positivity of the Pueblo songs and dances. Subsequently, the Gathering of Nations is at this time is focusing on helping and healing our New Mexico Pueblo communities as best we can and what is within our respectful means, which is to share to the songs of the Pueblos on our Public Radio Station on the I Heart Radio Network.
The Gathering of Nations has been granted by the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Affairs Department a small grant from the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund to creatively and constructively produce a culturally relevant project with meaning and cultural significance, separate from the Powwow. After the shutdown, the scope of the project was then directed at creating something to give hope and positivity during this pandemic. We had several suggestions and ideas but felt we wanted to honor in observance the Pueblo Feast Days (knowing some are being canceled). Thus, we have produced 19 radio shows that will feature the songs of the Pueblos, all of the music is what is currently available to the public and for sale, so songs that remain solely sacred within the various Pueblos are not included in this special musical dedication. The Gathering of Nations has had a non-commercial, public radio station on i heart Radio, which is an internet-based application and website featuring radio stations from around the United States, which can be accessed by smart phone or internet. Each of the identified Feast Days (those that were published on the IPCC website) is our guide for which days the GON radio station will play only Pueblo music in a respectful way; recognizing the Feast Days that bring us together to receive the blessings from the drummers, singers and dancers in a safe and socially distant way. Therefore, during this time of social distancing, the sound of the drums can still fill the hearts, spirit, and emotional well-being of all people with hope and strength, which we all need during this time.
It is with the utmost respect that we are presenting this musical tribute during the summer and through the fall, acknowledging the cultural seasons of Pueblo people whose songs carry prayers encompassing love, respect, compassion, faith, understanding and spirituality.
We hope you are able to Make announcement during your on air programming, and share the link to our radio station https://www.iheart.com/live/
JUNE 13 – Honoring Feast Day: Sandia Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Ohkay Owengeh, Santa Clara Pueblo & Picuris Pueblo
JUNE 24 – Honoring Feast Day: Ohkay Owingeh & Taos Pueblo
JUNE 29 – Honoring Feast Day: Santa Ana (Tamaya) Pueblo
JULY 14 – Honoring Feast Day: Cochiti Pueblo
JULY 25 – Honoring Feast Day: Taos Pueblo
JULY 26 – Honoring Feast Day: Santa Ana (Tamaya) Pueblo & Laguna Pueblo-Seama Village
AUGUST 2 – Honoring Feast Day: Jemez (Walatowa) Pueblo
AUGUST 4 – Honoring Feast Day: Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo
AUGUST 10 – Honoring Feast Day: Picuris Pueblo & Acoma Pueblo- Acomita Village
August 12 – Honoring Feast Day: Santa Clara Pueblo
AUGUST 15 – Honoring Feast Day: Zia Pueblo & Laguna Pueblo-Mesita Village
AUGUST 28 – Honoring Feast Day: Isleta Pueblo
SEPTEMBER 2 – Honoring Feast Day: Acoma Pueblo Sky City
SEPTEMBER 4 – Honoring Feast Day: Isleta Pueblo
SEPTEMBER 19 – Honoring Feast Day: Laguna Pueblo-Old Laguna
SEPTEBER 25 – Honoring Feast Day: Laguna Pueblo- Paguate
SEPTEMBER 30 – Honoring Feast Day: Taos Pueblo
OCTOBER 4– Honoring Feast Day: Nambe Pueblo
NOVEMBER 12 – Honoring Feast Day: Tesuque Pueblo & Jemez Pueblo
Once again on behalf the Gathering of Nations, we present this musical feature on the Gathering of Nations Internet Radio. There are no commercials and it is free to anyone who wants to tune in.
With much respect,
Derek, Dr. Lita & Melonie Mathews
Gathering of Nations Limited
Gathering of Nations