Q: I will be visiting Albuquerque and would like lessons in how to play the Native American flute. I have been teaching myself but that has not been the best. I have been to the Pueblo Cultural center several times and thought I wouold start here.
A: Yes by all means I think the IPCC is a great place to start. There is a gentleman here by the name of Andrew Thomas that plays the native flute and is very knowledgeable in that area. IPCC also has many different flutes in stock from a variety of native flute makers. Please ask for him @ 505-843-7270 and tell him that I referred you to him.
Q: I am planning on walking from Albuquerque to Sant Fe and was wondering if there is any problems with this as I will be passing through several Reservations along the way which will also require at least one overnight camp if not two or more.
A: Always remember that when you visit a pueblo, you are visiting someone’s home... so I definitely recommend asking for permission before you begin your journey. Contact the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to get the phone numbers of the specific pueblos you plan on passing through and then contact them directly to get permission. Good luck! Safe travels!
Q: Sky Warriors are the Peoples that have always been identified in heirogliphics and myth. But some Native Americans beleive they have always been with us in reality and educated us. I wonder if you had any stories to tell about thes other worldly peoples.
A: Sky warriors are a sacred belief among the native people. While there are stories that exist, many of them are not shared due to religious aspects. 
Q: I’ll be in Albuquerque for a quick-trip this summer. Without a lot of time, what is the best way to experience the Native American culture while I’m there?
A: New Mexico is home to 19 Pueblos, 2 Apache tribes and is a part of the Navajo Nation.  Without a lot of time to explore, I recommend going to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (www.indianpueblo.org), which showcases all of the Pueblo tribes and is a fantastic way to get an overview of the different cultures. 
Q: I know there are several Indian tribes in New Mexico, but are any of them actually in Albuquerque? What’s the closest?
A: None are actually within the city limits of Albuquerque, but a couple can be found in near surrounding areas.  Isleta Pueblo (www.isletapueblo.com) is 7-minutes south of Albuquerque; Sandia Pueblo (www.sandiapueblo.nsn.us) is 10-minutes north of Albuquerque; and San Felipe Pueblo 20-minutes north of Albuquerque. Please remember that not all tribes welcome tourists or are open to visiting. Make sure you contact the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to inquire before visiting.  
Q: Is there anything specific I need to know before visiting a pueblo?
A: Always remember that when you visit a pueblo, you are visiting someone’s home. Please observe all posted requests and regulations. When you are on Indian land, you are subject to Indian laws. Also, keep in mind that unless visiting on a Feast Day, only two of the 19 Pueblos offer tours and have visitor centers.  For some Native American culture facts and key tips to remember when visiting tribal land go to: http://www.itsatrip.org/albuquerque/culture-heritage/native-american/etiquette.aspx.
Q: I’m really interested in Native American culture, but am admittedly clueless about it. Do you recommend seeing one pueblo in New Mexico in particular or is it a “seen one, seen em’ all” kinda deal?
A: There are many Pueblo differences. Different Pueblos vary from language, to clothing to cuisine.  So, no, it is not a seen them all kind of deal.  I recommend visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (www.indainpueblo.org) to learn more about the different customs and cultures of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos. From there you will be able to learn which Pueblos are open to visitors on which days and you can choose the ones you’d most like to see. 
Q: I’ll be in Albuquerque next month for a meeting and my daughter really wants me to buy her a pair of moccasins while I’m there. Can you recommend a good Native American costume store?
A: First of all, it’s crucial to note that Pueblo dress is not “costume.” Everything is hand made for a specific ceremony. While you can purchase like-items in Albuquerque and the surrounding area, you cannot purchase authentic Indian made pieces because they are religious in nature and are sacred. 
Q: We are attending the Balloon Fiesta in October. How far/difficult a trip to the St. Francis de Assisi feast day? Special arrangements required? While we desire an authentic experience, we wish to be respectful.
A: Gregg Analla here with a response to your question regarding the pueblo feast day of Nambe Pueblo on October 4th.

It is around a 1 ½ hour drive from Albuquerque to Nambe Pueblo, so you will probably need to rent a car. Other than that, I don’t see any problems with your visit – there are no other special arrangements to be made. For more info on feast days, go to: http://www.indianpueblo.org/19pueblos/feastdays.html. For information on pueblo etiquette and tips on how to be respectful, I recommend visiting http://www.itsatrip.org/albuquerque/culture-heritage/native-american/etiquette.aspx. The most important thing to keep in mind is that when you are visiting a pueblo, you are visiting someone’s home, so please observe all posted requests and regulations.  Also, I highly recommend you visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center before you venture to the pueblo. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a great introduction/overview to all 19 pueblos of New Mexico and is a great place to start. Enjoy your experience!  
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