USPS Honors Native American Culture with New Powwow Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is set to celebrate Native American heritage by issuing a series of “Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture” Forever stamps.

These distinct stamps feature original artwork by Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero, capturing the vibrancy and diversity of traditional powwow dances.

First-Day-of-Issue Ceremony at Gathering of Nations Powwow

A first-day-of-issue ceremony for the stamps is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. MDT, coinciding with the annual Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Further, this meaningful event will take place at Tingley Coliseum / Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Drive NE.

Steve Monteith, USPS Chief Customer and Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President will serve as the dedicated official.

If you’re interested in attending the first-day-of-issue ceremony, USPS encourages you to RSVP — click here to RSVP!

Design and Significance of the Stamps

USPS will release 4 vibrant stamps to honor and represent Native American people. That said, the stamp pane showcases four dances:

• Women’s Traditional Dance: A dance honoring women’s roles and traditions.
• Crow Hop Dance: A lively dance reflecting the movements of crows. Some Native American legends say the crow brought fire to keep their ancestors alive through the cold winter.
• Men’s Hoop Dance: A performance symbolizing unity and the interconnectedness of life.
• Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance: A graceful dance representing the butterfly’s elegance.

Each stamp features Romero’s original paintings, which were inspired by photographs of dancers in traditional attire. Romero’s creative process involved photographing dancers and then painting over the images, resulting in dynamic and respectful representations of these cultural expressions.

About Powwows and the Gathering of Nations

Powwows are vibrant gatherings where Indigenous peoples come together to celebrate their cultures through dance, music, art, and community.

The Gathering of Nations Powwow is the largest in the U.S., attracting over 100,000 attendees annually! Further, this well-known event features a grand entry parade, traditional and competitive dancing, singing, arts and crafts, and various cultural exhibitions.

Availability and Purchase of the USPS Stamps

The Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture stamps will be available as Forever stamps in panes of 20. Further, these stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.

These stamps can be purchased online at USPS.com, at local post offices, or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24.

By issuing these stamps, the USPS not only honors the rich traditions of Native American communities but also educates the public about the cultural significance of powwows, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of Indigenous culture and history!