The Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial was first held in 1921 at Gallup, New Mexico. It is held annually in the middle of August. It was started by a small group of Gallup businessmen, Indian traders, and reservation superintendents. This organizing group is called the Inter-Tribal Indian Cermonial Association. The original purposes were "the encouragement of Indian arts and crafts and the education of whites to the beauties of Indian life"; also the "perpetuation of the dances, traditions and customs of Indian life." At the Ceremonial there are dances, rites, chants, songs, athletic contests, sports and handicrafts. In 1939 the New Mexico Legislature designated the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial a state institution and an official agency of the State of New Mexico.
From the guide to the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Association Sound Recordings of the 44th Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, August 12-15, 1965, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)
