Issue Date: July 6, 2008
Learn more about Native Americans
The adobe buildings in Taos have been inhabited for more than 1,000 years.
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If you'd like to learn more about the lives of Native Americans, visit a reservation or a pueblo this summer. Many of the country's hundreds of reservations and numerous pueblos are open to the public.
The Taos Pueblo in New Mexico is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a National Historic Landmark. The adobe buildings that comprise the village are said to have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Admission is $10.
You also may consider an organized day tour, which enables you to meet Native Americans, eat local foods and witness native dances and songs. Go Native America offers a tour of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Here you can learn about the culture and history of the Oglala Lakota people, which includes the Wounded Knee massacre. A full-day tour, which leaves from Rapid City, is $175.
Native American Journeys focuses on the Southwest and can arrange a visit to the Hopi Villages in Arizona. The Hopi people -- known for pottery, basket-making and kachina dolls -- have dwelled in the area for more than 2,000 years. In fact, the Hopi village of Old Oraibi is considered the oldest continually occupied village in North America. The day-long tour is $159.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque has an "Experience Zuni" tour led by a member of the Zuni Pueblo tribe. You visit the Old Zuni Mission and dine on a traditional Zuni meal on this tour for $89.95.
Also, note that many North American tribes host annual powwows, with dancers, music, crafts and food. Visit PowWows.com for more information.
Travel writer Everett Potter's website is everettpotter.com.
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