2019 Gathering for Mother Earth Schedule and Information
Everyone is welcome to attend the 23rd annual Gathering for Mother Earth, dedicated to honoring and protecting Mother Earth’s Waters. This event is freely offered to our community.
The Gathering takes place at multiple locations over four days — you are welcome to join any or all of the events in the schedule below. The morning events usually include a blessing, a circle, and a meal.
We ask that you take time to read these guidelines before coming so that you may enter this event with respect.
If you’re coming from a distance, be sure to look at the Lodging Guide at the bottom of this page to learn about options for accommodations.
GUIDELINES FOR ATTENDING
- Please respect this space with your full presence.
No photos, videos, or recordings at any of the Gathering sites. Thank you. - The early morning each day is a sacred time and limited to tribal and community members. The general public is welcome to attend all Gathering events from 10 am onwards — please do not come before that time.
- You are welcome to bring a small container of water from your home to share in the blessings for Saturday evening.
- Please bring something to sit on (chair, blanket, etc) for circles, as well as your own water container to drink. We encourage you to bring your own plates and utensils for mealtimes to cut down on waste.
- Dress for each day is casual. At some sites we may be walking by or in water, please wear appropriate footwear.
- Some items will be offered for sale at most sites, including Gathering t-shirts, tote bags, bags of blue corn, and raffle tickets. Please bring cash or check if you wish to make purchases.
- FOOD: Offerings of food on most days are a gift to attendees. If you wish to make a donation in thanks, please feel free to give on-site or online here.
Thursday, Sept 26
Opening/ Centering
Location: Abiquiu
9:45: Meet at the Abiquiu Library/Cultural Center (arrive no later than 10 am)
Gathering: 10 am – 1:30 pm (includes blessing at Morada de Moqi, gathering at the Rio Chama, followed by gathering at picnic grounds, concluding with meal at Morada de Moqi)
This site is accessible to people with disabilities.
Friday, Sept 27
Avanyu & Water Protectors
Location: Nambé Falls (Kiva Bear campsite — look for balloons)
Gathering: 10 am to 1:30 pm (lunch at approximately noon)
Parking: Free if you print and show this flier to the Ranger; otherwise $15/car
You are welcome to stay at Nambé Falls after 1:30 but please be aware you will need to pay a fee to the Ranger.
This site is accessible to people with disabilities.
Saturday, Sept 28
MORNING: Relay Run
9:30 am (no cars allowed in the area after 9:30): Please come to the Pojoaque Pow Wow Grounds to welcome the runners as they complete the run. All waters that have been collected during the Gathering will be blessed. (Pow Wow Grounds: Hwy 502 headed towards Los Alamos, the grounds are before Pojoaque Valley High School on the south side of the road.) Concludes by 1 pm.
Note: No lunch offered on this day.
EVENING: Community Meal + Celebration of Tewa Women United’s 30th Anniversary
Location: Poeh Cultural Center, Pojoaque Pueblo
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Opening and blessing, meal, and panel of creative performances (poets, dances, stories, songs). Blessings of all the waters that have been gathered.
Click here for directions to the Poeh Cultural Center.
Poeh Center Contact: Karl Duncan / phone 505-455-5040 ext.5054
Sunday, Sept. 29
Location: Valles Caldera
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
NOTE: Meet at the Valles Caldera Visitor Center parking lot between 9:00 and 9:45 am. Shuttles will take you to the Gathering site. No shuttles will leave after 9:45. If you arrive after 9:45 we will not be able to accommodate you.
Blessing, circle, meal at the Gathering site, to conclude by 1 pm. Shuttles will bring you back to the Visitor Center parking lot.
PLEASE NOTE: No pets are allowed at the Valles Caldera gathering site.
Lodging Guide
If you are coming from a distance, we welcome you! Please note that you’ll need to make your own arrangements for accommodations. Here are a few suggestions:
Camping:
- Nambé Falls on Nambé Pueblo. Please note payment in cash only.
- Jemez Falls in the Santa Fe National Forest
Hotel:
- Santa Claran Hotel in Española
- Cities of Gold Hotel in Pojoaque
Event contact: Elder Kathy Sanchez, 505-747-3259
kathy@tewawomenunited.org
Many Blessings to *sponsors,
LC18, & hosting Pueblos of Ohkay Owingeh, Pueblo of Nambe and Pueblo of Pojoaque.
*Mother Earth Ecological Wellness Collaborative: American Friends Service Committee/New Mexico *Traditional Native American Farmers Association,*New Mexico Acequia Association
*TWU: Sayain Circle of Awesome Grandmothers
