Gallup Inter-Tribal Needs to Seek a New Direction While Retaining What Works

The 2008-9 Great Recession threw many non-profit cultural institutions into a tailspin; funding curtailments brought big changes to operations that had always maintained some measure of continuity. Almost overnight, these organizations discovered that they needed to apply business solutions; some places succeeded in making transitions, while others ended up damaging aspects of their original mission. The Gallup Ceremonial’s problems don’t stem simply from a lack of cash. The event needs to reevaluate the state of Indian arts today, what requirements drive local tourism, and how aiding the local community can be balanced with bringing in more visitors who want to see and participate in something unique and special.

What worked well from the 1920s up to the last quarter of the twentieth century no longer meets the demands of the 21st century. That doesn’t mean throwing out the baby with the bath water, however. The Ceremonial’s directors and sponsors need a new vision of just what can refresh its traditions while creating an added impetus for attending. What exactly brings locals and visitors together? In the past, those who respected Indian culture (like me) enjoyed coming to partake of things that wouldn’t ordinarily be available when just passing through as a tourist.

One idea I hear from those who live in or near Gallup is that the Ceremonial needs to be brought back to downtown Gallup. The SWAIA Indian Market benefits greatly from being held on Santa Fe’s Plaza and adjoining streets. The aura of street festival is hard to beat, and Red Rock Park’s buildings look very tired and in need of structural reinforcement. A place to begin is with the bathrooms: the facilities in Gallup’s busy WalMart look much better than those at the park…

At the entrance to the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial

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