Gregory Analla: Native American

Gregory has roots in many different parts of New Mexico. His father was from Laguna Pueblo, west of Albuquerque, and his mother is from Isleta Pueblo, just south of the city, but Gregory grew up in Gallup, close to the Navajo Nation. His grandparents were particularly important in his life and instilled in him a love for his Native American culture and traditions. As a boy, Gregory enjoyed participating in traditional ceremonies, such as the Eagle Dance and Buffalo Dance. Today he lives in Albuquerque, where he is a painter, sculptor and musician, working with Native American images and sounds. He is also a Pueblo Teaching Artist at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, where he gives lectures, guides group tours and leads hands-on lessons in Native American art.

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Questions & Answers

Q: Visiting ABQ around 6/5/12. If we have only 1 day to spend, what do you recommend we do if we want to get the truest (non-tourist) experience of an Indian Reservation?: A: Only one day is really hard to get a full Albuquerque experience, but if your focus is Native peoples, I would suggest visiting the Acoma "Sky City" Pueblo and cultural center. By visiting, you will get to see first-hand what life at a pueblo is like. It is the closest pueblo to Albuquerque at about a 2 hour drive west.

If you are not up for that drive, you can explore information on all 19 pueblos at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, right here in Albuquerque. The Cultural Center experience is distinctly authentic and true to the history, experiences and lifestyles of the Native peoples.

Q: I am interested in learning more about Indian religious/spirtual beliefs to the point that I would like to attend a Native American "church." Can you tell me where I can go to find this?: A: A "Native American Church" is related to taking peyote, praying, singing, and staying up all night. There are some that go on each weekend on the Navajo reservation. However, one must be familiar with someone who will be willing to take in a "stranger" to one of these meetings. Anyone with any health concerns should strongly consider if they have the physical and mental fortitude to take part in any of these meetings. There is also the issue of someone willing to act as a translator during the meeting. These meetings occur at different places within a 25 thousand square mile radius and are not advertised to outsiders.

The Pueblos do not allow non-pueblos into their religious activities.

You might consider spending time with a tribe, establishing a relationship with a family and then respectfully pursue the question of being invited to partake in any "Native American Church" ceremony.

Q: We will be visiting Albuq. May 1st-5th. I boyfriend is an artist. We would like to see a pueblo or reservation that would have art and not too far from Albuq. Is there any transportation available for a day trip?: A: Gregg Analla here with a quick note! Yes there are some tours to pueblos, in particular a good trip for you all might be to visit Acoma Pueblo as they have a tour of their pueblo and have a fairly new tourist center that has a great collection of pottery and there are vendors selling art (mostly pottery).

For a well rounded taste of native art, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center has a great variety of pueblo art and is opening a new gift shop as of tomorrow.

Another pueblo that has a great collection is the casino at Buffalo Thunder Resort but it is about an hour and a half north of ABQ.

(Acoma is about 50 Minutes west of ABQ).

You can call the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center @ 505-843-7270 and ask for Kay- she can help you schedule your tour. You might want to think about renting a car as most of the pueblos are located outside of ABQ.

Q: Hello, I have a piece of pottery that appears to be very old and hours of research have been unproductive. Shape and colors could be Mimbres. Please advise as to a reliable source for I.D.: A: I think the best way to start is by contact the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. If they can't help, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Q: I will be visiting New Mexico for the 1st time in August. One of my must see items on my vacation is Native Amercan Culture. What places are a must see? Also are their any ceremonies between August 27 through September 4th?: A: I would have to say the for a "must see" Native experience she should visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for an introduction to Pueblo Culture and advice on etiquette when visiting the Pueblos. IPCC is sponsored by the 19 pueblos and is a wealth of information regarding Pueblo Culture. I looked on on our Feast day Calendar and the only feast day during that time is at Isleta Pueblo (the Feast of St. Augustine) with dances throughout the day.

Q: Do you know a website or other source where I could learn about woven Indian blankets? I saw a display at a museum in Albuquerque in Sept 2009, and would like to know more about the history of those blankets and what the designs mean.: A: I recommend visiting the New Mexico Fiber Arts Trails website as well as contacting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Both organizations should be able to help you out with the information you are looking for. Good luck!

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