Zuni Today

The respect we have for our Zuni culture, heritage, and way of life vitalizes our community today, as much as our involvement in modern society. Cell phones, computer technology, and the Internet are as much a part of our lives today as are our age-old traditions.

Things to do

The Zuni Pueblo offers visitors the chance to gain an understanding of our culture and history, and an opportunity to explore the recreational activities found around the village. Ask the Visitor Center staff for more information about any of the following:
  • The historic Nuestra Señora (Our Lady of) de Guadalupe mission, ca. 1630: Gaze upon the world-famous murals of Zuni ceremonial figures and learn the complex history of two unlikely cultures coexisting together in the Old Mission Tour. See the original 1776 San Miguel Altar Bulto/Statue at the Visitor Center!
  • Santo Nino de Zuni: A small sacred wooden statue believed to have been brought by the Spanish Franciscans to Hawikku in 1628 as a gift to the new La Purisima Concepcion Church. Santo Nino is considered the Sun's daughter and holds tremendous power.
  • “Middle Village” (Halona Idiwan’a): Stroll through historic residential passages and experience a sense of connection to our culture on a guided tour to the center of Zuni.
  • A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center: Gain an understanding of the A:shiwi/Zuni emergence and migration history at the community’s museum, featuring an exhibit on the ancestral village of Hawikku.
  • Cultural tours: Journey with a guide through the center of our Middle Village (Halona:Idiwan'a), Visit the historic Nuestra Señora (Our Lady of) de Guadalupe mission, ca. 1630 to gaze upon the world-famous murals of the Zuni Ceremonial figures, or listen to the stories/history of the Zuni People and how it has impacted is today.
  • Archaeological tours: Explore the ancestral village of Hawikku (the place of first European contact in the Southwest) and Village of the Great Kivas (a Chacoan outlier with nearby rock art) with a knowledgeable guide.
  • Recreational: Spend quality time outdoors on the ZYEP Trails, Fishing at one of the four (4) lakes, or visiting one of the touring sites with the visitors center; ask Visitor Center staff for details and where to purchase fishing permits.
  • Galleries: visit any of our five local trading posts to discover the best of Zuni arts, learn about the raw materials that go to create art, and support local artists through your purchases.
  • Local Grocers and Eateries: Grab a meal or small snack at one of the local eateries or shop for last-minute items at any of our family-owned grocers.
  • Photography: A photo permit is required for all photography on the Reservation which can be obtained at the Visitor's Center. Remember to ask permission before photographing people, AND NEVER PHOTOGRAPH ANY RELIGIOUS OR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES!
Photos courtesy of Lynn Bowannie and Jermaine Johnson
"Our religion is the traditions of our ancestors - the dreams of our old men, given them in solemn hours of the night by the Great Spirit; and the visions of our Sachems, and is written in the hearts of our people" - Chief Seattle
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