ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The U.S. Postal Service will launch its Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture Forever stamps with a first-day-of-issue ceremony at the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow on April 25, 2025. The event, set for 1:30 p.m. MDT at Tingley Coliseum in Expo New Mexico, marks a tribute to Indigenous traditions through a vibrant new stamp collection. Steve Monteith, the Postal Service’s chief customer and marketing officer and executive vice president, will dedicate the stamps before an expected crowd of over 100,000 attendees.
The ceremony coincides with the annual Gathering of Nations, North America’s largest powwow, held at 300 San Pedro Drive NE. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at www.usps.com/powwowsstamps, as the USPS is offering a limited number of admission tickets requiring registration. The event will spotlight the cultural richness of powwows, gatherings where Native American communities celebrate their heritage through dance, music, prayer, and art.
The four-stamp series features original artwork by Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero, depicting traditional Native American dances: Women’s Traditional Dance, Crow Hop Dance, Men’s Hoop Dance, and Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance. Romero, known for blending photography and painting, captured dancers in regalia during performances and overlaid his vibrant brushwork atop the images. Antonio Alcalá, a USPS art director, designed the stamps, which will remain valid for the First-Class Mail one-ounce rate indefinitely.
Powwows hold deep significance for Indigenous peoples, serving as both social and spiritual occasions. The Gathering of Nations opens with a grand entry parade, led by Native veterans and tribal elders, followed by dancers and musicians. Events include competitive dancing, singing, pageantry, and tributes to ancestors, alongside arts, crafts, and giveaways for community support. The National Museum of the American Indian notes that powwows evolved from traditional ceremonies into modern celebrations, fostering unity across tribes.
Monteith’s role as dedicating official underscores the Postal Service’s commitment to honoring diverse American stories through its stamp program. The #PowwowsStamps hashtag is already circulating online, amplifying anticipation for the release. The USPS has a history of recognizing Native American contributions, with past stamps featuring figures like Chief Joseph and designs inspired by tribal art.
The Gathering of Nations, held annually since 1983, draws participants from hundreds of tribes across the U.S. and Canada, according to its official site. This year’s powwow, spanning April 25-26, will host thousands of dancers and singers, making it a fitting backdrop for the stamp unveiling. The coliseum’s expansive venue accommodates the influx of visitors, who come to witness both tradition and competition.
Romero’s artwork captures the dynamic spirit of powwow dances, each with distinct cultural roots. The Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance, for instance, is known for its colorful regalia and intricate footwork, while the Men’s Hoop Dance showcases agility with interwoven hoops symbolizing unity. The stamps’ release aligns with broader efforts to elevate Native American visibility in mainstream culture.
Following the ceremony, the stamps will be available for purchase nationwide, joining the USPS’s Forever stamp lineup. The event promises to blend postal tradition with Indigenous celebration, offering attendees a chance to witness history amid the powwow’s lively atmosphere. As Albuquerque prepares to host this milestone, the stamps stand as a lasting nod to Native resilience and creativity.
