USPS Unveils “Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture” Forever Stamps at Gathering of Nations

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – The United States Postal Service (USPS) formally dedicated its new “Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture” Forever stamps on April 25, 2025, during a special ceremony held at the renowned Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque. The event marked the issuance of the vibrant new series, recognizing the profound cultural significance of powwows across North America.

The Gathering of Nations stands as the largest powwow event in the country, drawing more than 100,000 attendees annually, including thousands of dancers and singers representing hundreds of tribal nations. Its selection as the venue for the stamp dedication underscored the national importance of the powwow tradition being honored.

Celebrating Powwow Culture Through Art

The “Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture” stamp issuance features four distinct designs, each showcasing original artwork commissioned specifically for this series. The paintings, created by Mateo Romero, a celebrated Southern Keres Cochiti Pueblo artist, capture the dynamic energy and visual richness of powwow dances.

The four designs depict dancers engaged in iconic powwow styles: the Crow Hop, the Women’s Traditional Dance, the Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance, and the Men’s Hoop Dance. Each stamp is a miniature work of art, bringing these vital cultural expressions to mailpieces across the nation.

The Artist and His Vision

Mateo Romero’s approach to creating the stamp art involved a distinctive technique. He began by photographing dancers adorned in their traditional regalia during powwows. Subsequently, he used these photographs as a base upon which he painted with thick, brightly colored brushstrokes. This method resulted in striking abstract expressionistic artwork that conveys both the intricate details of the regalia and the fluid motion and spirit of the dances.

Romero expressed his deep gratitude and honor regarding the project. “It is a profound honor to be able to showcase powwow culture to the world through this art form,” Romero stated, highlighting the significance of these stamps as a medium to share the beauty and vitality of these cultural gatherings with a broad audience.

Significance and National Recognition

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Steven W. Monteith, USPS chief customer and marketing officer, emphasized the role of the stamps in national storytelling. “These stamps offer a unique opportunity to tell the story of America and inspire a deeper appreciation of Native American culture,” Monteith commented. He noted that the Postal Service often uses stamps to commemorate important facets of the nation’s heritage and contemporary life.

The issuance of the “Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture” Forever stamps specifically aims to honor these vibrant North American Native gatherings. Powwows are presented as dynamic cultural expressions – bringing together singing, drumming, dancing, feasting, and social connection – and recognized as a unique and enduring contribution to American culture.

The decision to dedicate the stamps at the Gathering of Nations amplified this message, connecting the new postage directly to the large-scale, living tradition it commemorates. The event provided a backdrop of thousands of participants and spectators, showcasing the very culture being celebrated on the stamps.

Stamp Specifications and Design Team

The “Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture” stamps are issued as Forever stamps and are available in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate, regardless of future price changes, providing convenience and lasting utility for mailers.

The overall design of the stamp pane and ancillary materials was overseen by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá. Alcalá’s expertise in stamp design helped translate Romero’s powerful artwork into the final postage format.

A Lasting Tribute

The dedication of the “Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture” Forever stamps represents a significant moment in the Postal Service’s ongoing effort to reflect the diverse tapestry of American life. By featuring the work of a Native American artist and depicting the vibrant tradition of powwows, the stamps serve as a lasting tribute and an educational tool, carrying the spirit of these important cultural gatherings to mailboxes across the country and around the world.