Pojoaque

Who are the Pojoaque?

Pojoaque, known in Tewa as Pʼohsu̧wä̧geh Ówîngeh, is a Pueblo community in northern New Mexico. It is one of the six Tewa-speaking Rio Grande Pueblos and a member of the Eight Northern Pueblos. The community holds together through shared language, traditions, and governance. Pojoaque Pueblo has a long history in the region, with roots stretching back to around 500 AD. Today, it maintains its identity through cultural institutions, economic enterprises, and a strong sense of community.

Where do the Pojoaque live?

Pojoaque Pueblo is located in the Pojoaque Valley of northern New Mexico, in Santa Fe County. The land includes the old and new towns of Pojoaque and is surrounded by communities such as Cuyamungue, Jacona, Nambé, and El Rancho. The area is rural, with Pojoaque Creek running from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and joining the Rio Tesuque to form the Pojoaque River, which flows into the Rio Grande.

What language do the Pojoaque speak?

The people of Pojoaque speak Tewa, a language of the Tanoan family. Tewa is shared with several other Rio Grande Pueblos. The language is a central part of community identity, though the sources do not state its current level of use or vitality.

How do the Pojoaque live?

Pojoaque Pueblo has traditionally relied on farming and crafts. In recent decades, the Pueblo has become a major regional employer through business enterprises, including three casinos: Buffalo Thunder Resort, Cities of Gold Casino, and Jake's Casino. The community also supports cultural and educational institutions, such as the Poeh Museum and local schools. Many residents work in these enterprises or in nearby towns.

How is Pojoaque society organised?

Pojoaque Pueblo is governed by a Tribal Council and a Governor, following a consensus-based republic tradition. Households vary, with a mix of married couples, single-parent families, and individuals. The community values collective decision-making and maintains social ties through kinship, shared ceremonies, and cultural practices.

What do the Pojoaque believe?

The sources do not detail traditional religious beliefs, but as a Pueblo community, Pojoaque likely maintains ceremonies and rituals tied to the Tewa calendar and worldview. The Poeh Museum supports the preservation of arts and culture, and community events often center on traditional practices, art, and music.

The history of the Pojoaque

Pojoaque Pueblo was settled around 500 AD, reaching its population peak in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Spanish founded a mission here in the early 1600s. The Pueblo was abandoned during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and resettled around 1706. Smallpox epidemics in the early 1900s led to another abandonment, but the community reoccupied the land in 1934. In 1936, Pojoaque became a federally recognized Indian reservation. The Pueblo has since rebuilt its population and economy.

Pojoaque life today

Pojoaque Pueblo has a population of 2,071 as of 2020. It is a federally recognized tribe and a major employer in the region. The community operates several casinos and the Poeh Museum, and continues to negotiate with the state over gaming operations. The Pueblo maintains its land, cultural identity, and governance, while facing ongoing challenges and opportunities for growth.

Questions people ask about the Pojoaque

Sources and further reading

• Pueblo of Pojoaque on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Pojoaque themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.