Pueblos & Nations
Sandoval County has 10 Pueblos and two Nations within its borders
With much history and tradition, each Pueblo holds a local spoken dialect including but not limited to Tiwa, Keres, Tewa, and Towa and are derived from three ancient language families. Within each community a vibrant and distinct artistic style has developed such as native pottery, weaving and jewelry. Pueblo communities continue to celebrate the cycles of seasons through song, dance and prayer. Sandoval’s Pueblos welcome visitors on feast days to share in these celebrations and traditions.
When planning a visit to these communities please be aware of restrictions on photography and other images and respect the traditions and privacy of the residents.
For further details in regards to proper etiquette while visiting the Sandoval County's pueblos please visit the following site.
Pueblos & Tribal Entities
JICARILLA APACHE NATION
Jicarilla (hē-kə-ˈrē-yə ) Apache Nation “Keepers of the River”. Jicarilla means “Little Basket” in Spanish, a term for the small baskets that were used for water. The lands of the Jicarilla Apache Nation run from the San Juan River to the Rio Chama River, embrace the Continental Divide and encompass 879,917 acres of rugged mountains and mesas.
Navajo Nation – Counselor – Ojo Encino – Torreon / Star Lake
Navajo Nation Dine’ is the largest Indian Reservation on the continent with 14 million acres encompassing the 3 corners of Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.
Cochiti Pueblo
The Cochiti people are thought to have come from the Anasazi people that lived in cliff dwellings at present-day Bandelier National Monument. They settled in this area around 1250 AD. The pottery of Cochiti is widely pursued for their storytelling figurines which express their beliefs through the designs on the pottery.
Jemez Pueblo
The Jemez Pueblo is the last remaining Towa-speaking Pueblo that has cultural roots dating back to the 1300s. The traditional name is Walatowa meaning “this is the place.” It lies along the Jemez River in the San Diego Canyon and is a gateway to the Jemez Mountains. The Walatowa Visitor Center, located at the Jemez Red Rock Park scenic area, offers a museum and guided tours.
Laguna Pueblo
Laguna Pueblo is located in the Rio San Jose River Basin at the foothills of magnificent Mount Taylor, surrounded by vast golden mesas where they have inhabited the area from 6500 B.C. It is home to 8,000 tribal members and is the largest Keresan-speaking Pueblo.
San Felipe Pueblo
Katishtya, the Pueblo of San Felipe, lies at the base of the Black Mesa Santa Ana Mesa and is a timeless picturesque Pueblo that must be much like it was 200 years ago. The San Felipe people are considered the most conservative of the Keresan-speaking Pueblos.
San Idelfonso Pueblo
The peoples of San Idelfonso call their home Po-Who_Geh-Owingeh, “where the water cuts through.” They have a strong artist community and are known for their black-on-black pottery with black matte designs representing their daily life and religion.
Sandia Pueblo
The Pueblo’s Tiwa name is "Tuf Shur Tia," meaning "Green Reed Place.” The Sandia people are members of the pre-Columbian Tiwa language group who once dominated the Albuquerque area. Their lineage can be traced back to the Aztec civilization that later migrated to the New Mexico region. The present site has been home to the Sandia People, who have cultivated the land and raised their families there since 1300 AD. The Pueblo of Sandia owns and operates several thriving enterprises including Sandia Resort & Casino, Bien Mur Indian Market Center, and Bobcat Ranch. These businesses help create a broad economic base to ensure its financial future as a self-reliant Tribe.
Santa Ana Pueblo
Traditional Name in Keres: Tamaya, means “The People” Santa Ana Pueblo is located on State Road 313 (I-25 Exit 242), off US 550 in Bernalillo. Santa Ana owns and operates the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa and the Twin Warriors Golf Club. Nearby is a sister golf course, the Santa Ana Golf Club, and the Prairie Star Restaurant. Santa Ana Star Casino features gambling, live entertainment and bowling.
Santa Clara Pueblo
In the Tewa language, this means the “Singing Water Village.” They have lived on their land for centuries and have preserved their way of life in language, dances, culture, and traditions. The Pueblo offers tours of the local Puye Cliff Dwellings.
Santo Domingo Pueblo
Tradition name in Keres: Kewa, means “Pueblo” Santo Domingo Pueblo, (I-25 Exit 259) on State Road 22, is known for its beautiful turquoise jewelry and its pottery. Various arts and crafts shops can be found at the Pueblo and near the Santo Domingo owned and operated Pueblo Gas Inc., which includes the Kewa Café. Be sure to stop in during Labor Day weekend for the Annual Santo Domingo Arts & Crafts Market, where artisans from throughout the area sell beautiful pieces of traditional artwork.
Zia Pueblo
Zia Pueblo is the birthplace of the familiar sun symbol, which adorns the NM state flag. Located off of US 550, Zia Pueblo arts and crafts are sold at the tribal administration complex. The Zia Pueblo Reservation has become a leader in tribal communities for on-location shooting of film projects and major motion pictures. The Pueblo manages the Zia Bernalillo Farmers Market.