Mescalero Apache Sunrise Ceremony Exhibit Opening

The Apache Sunrise Ceremony or na'ii'ees has been passed down from ancient times.  The challenging four day ceremony marks an Apache girl's transition to White Painted Woman (Changing Woman).  The re-enactment traditionally occurs during the summer and normally begins on a Friday.

During the early 1900's, the United States government banned the Sunrise Ceremony.  Since participation in this was considered an illegal act, its celebration declined unless performed in secret.  It wasn't until the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978, that allowed the Sunrise Ceremony to be openly celebrated once again.

Experience the sacred Mescalero Apache Sunrise ceremony through the lens of Dr. David Carmichael.  
Dr. Carmichael is a professor at the University of Texas-El Paso and works closely with the Mescalero on Traditional Cultural Property issues and sacred sites.  He has 40+ years experience in the fields of anthropology, archeology and cultural resource management.

Sponsored by: Friends of the Hubbard Museum of the American West.

The museum is owned & operated by the City of Ruidoso Downs, NM.