5th annual sundance July 9-16

at the Assembling of Aztlan

Purification & camp days - July 9-12

Tree Day - July 12, 1 p.m.

Sundance - July 13-16

 

All five-fingered people who are spiritually inclined and especially Xicano immigrants are invited to attend the 5th annual wiwanyag wacipi (Sundance) hosted by Iglesia de Aztlan (the assembling of Aztlan) at the base of Greenhorn Mountain near Gardner, Colorado.

The Sundance is one of the most sacred ceremonies held in Native country. Banned by the U.S. Government in 1893, it has survived underground and is today observed by many Native nations throughout Turtle Island.

It is a time of purification, prayer, healing and building family and community relationships.

First-time attendees are asked to call the Aztlan Native American Cultural Arts Center  before coming.

Strict rules apply for those who attend the arbor celebrations.

1. Women must bring a shawl and wear a dress.

2. No jewelry is allowed.

3. Women on their moon may not attend the arbor ceremonies.

4. Men must wear pants and a shirt. Shorts are not allowed.

5. No metal of any kind is allowed under the arbor.

To participate in sweats, women should bring a long loose-fitting dress and a towel plus a change into another dress. Men should change into shorts and also bring a towel.

Come prepared to camp out. Two meals will be provided daily. Food and monetary donations are welcome. Bring your own drinking water and eating utensils. Please do not bring plastic or Styrofoam plates.  Parents must be responsible for their children. Dogs are allowed on leash only and must stay at their camp.

Building materials and tarps for sweat lodges are needed.

No weapons, drugs or alcohol will be allowed. Cameras and recording devices including cell phone cameras also are expressly forbidden at the arbor and during ceremonies.

For more information or to assist with needs, please call the Aztlan Native American Cultural Arts Center at (719) 746-2400 or the Walsenburg offices at (719) 738-5724.

Mitakuye Oyasin 

 

Directions:  From Pueblo, travel south on Interstate 25 to Red Rocks Road, the second exit south of the Huerfano (orphan volcanic mound). Exit west onto Red Rocks Road about six miles north of Walsenburg and travel to Colorado Hwy 69. Turn right onto Hwy 69 and head toward Gardner, Colorado. Just past mile marker 24, take Williams Creek Road to the right (the second right past the mile marker). Follow Aztlan signs to the mountain plateau surrounded by high mountains. Four wheel drive vehicles are recommended but the above access is possible for all vehicles.

From I-25 South, travel north of Walsenburg about six miles and exit west on Redrock Road.