U.S. Postal Service Honors Powwows with Stamps, Celebrates at Gathering of Nations

The United States Postal Service has released four new powwow-themed stamps featuring artwork by Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero. Romero’s original paintings depict Native American dancers, which he created by photographing dancers in traditional attire and then painting over the images. The stamps showcase different styles of dance: Women’s Traditional Dance, Crow Hop Dance, Men’s Hoop Dance, and Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance.

Designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, these stamps will always be valued at the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate. They are available for purchase through the USPS website, by phone, or at Post Office locations nationwide. For collectors, there is also a selection of stamp-related products available on Amazon.

The USPS will host a first-day-of-issue ceremony to honor the Powwows stamps on Friday April 25th at the Gathering of Nations. To attend, RSVP at www.usps.com/powwowsstamps.

Powwows are vibrant cultural celebrations where Native people come together to honor their traditions through dance, prayer, music, and art. One of the largest powwows is the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which attracts over 100,000 attendees each year. These events typically begin with a grand entry featuring Native veterans, tribal elders, dancers, and musicians. In addition to the dances, the powwows include singing, pageantry, tributes to ancestors, arts and crafts, and giveaways to support those in need.

Information from USPS: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.