Small Paper, Big Meaning: The beauty, craft, and future of postage stamps

Three indigenous tribal members await their entrance for the Gathering of Nations Grand Entry - a parade of dancers representing over 500 Indigenous, Native American and Canadian First Nation tribes.

Filming at the Gathering of Nations — Albuquerque, NM (April 2025)

In April 2025, our crew had the incredible opportunity to film at one of the most spectacular cultural gatherings in North America — the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This annual event brings together Indigenous peoples from across the continent in a powerful and joyous celebration of tradition, artistry, community, and resilience.

A Cultural Celebration Captured on Stamps

One of the most exciting cultural milestones to emerge from the 2025 Gathering of Nations was the unveiling of a new U.S. Postal Service forever stamp series titled Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture.

On April 25, 2025, the Postal Service dedicated this stamp series during a ceremony at the Gathering of Nations — marking the first-day-of-issue for the stamps in Albuquerque. The issue was timed to honor powwow traditions showcased at the event and celebrate Indigenous dance, music, and regalia for a broad audience.

Designed by Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero, the stamps feature vibrant paintings of dancers performing traditional powwow dances — including Crow Hop, Women’s Traditional, Women’s Fancy Shawl, and Men’s Hoop — bringing the energy and cultural significance of these gatherings to life in a medium that travels across the country and around the world.

This stamp series not only commemorates powwows as a living cultural legacy but also reflects the broader recognition and respect for Native American heritage in contemporary American visual culture.