ABQ BioPark to Host Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
The event will be the first of its kind at the BioPark, and will debut at the BioPark Zoo.
Join the ABQ BioPark in celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, and learn about the rich history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
“We are excited to immerse guests in a festive and educational experience celebrating Indigenous peoples far and near, as well as the animals that hold significance for different tribes, several of which call the BioPark home,” said BioPark guest experience administrator Tiffani-Rae Briggs.
The celebration will be held Monday, October 13, from 10am to 2pm at the BioPark Zoo. The new event was spearheaded by Briggs, who is a member of the Navajo Nation just outside Gallup, New Mexico.
“The goal is for the guests to learn more about how nature has influenced traditional practices and to honor the teachings of our ancestors who took care of the land before us,” said Briggs.
At the event, guests can enjoy engaging discovery stations, craft tables, and a traditional dance performed by Next Generation Dancers—a local traditional dance group composed of Pueblo of Acoma youth led by Mark Lorenzo II.
Discovery stations will be located at various animal habitats across the Zoo that hold significance to many tribes. Here, guests can learn about the special attributes of the animals, as well as how the effects of climate change are not only affecting these species, but also impacting traditional practices for future generations.
For example, at Raptor Roost there will be a discovery station about owls and eagles where guests can learn about the cultural significance of the two to Indigenous peoples, and why members of some tribes avoid looking at one of the two. Discover which!
Guests can also discover what animal attributes they personally encompass according to tribal beliefs and observations, and enjoy traditional storytelling as they explore.
Once guests have discovered the different animal attributes, they can head to the craft table to make a beaded bracelet or necklace that has a charm of what animal they related to the most.
The event and activities are included with regular admission. For additional details, please see the BioPark Indigenous Peoples Day event page. We look forward to seeing you there!