The 6th Annual Eastern Navajo Arts and Crafts Festival will be celebrated June 2009. ENACF celebrates the enduring traditions and artistry of Navajo culture in northwest New Mexico. Throughout the day festival visitors sampled blue corn mush and other indigenous foods prepared from local plants; bought original creations directly from local silversmiths, weavers, sand painters, sculptors, painters, beadworkers, and quilters; and enjoyed mutton stew, Navajo tacos, and other refreshments from local food vendors. This annual event is hosted by Torreon/Star Lake Chapter, a typical Navajo ranching community, located 26 miles southwest of Cuba on state highway 197. Master of Ceremonies was Ted Mace, former president of Ojo Encino Chapter.

Live demonstrations will occur in sand painting, silversmithing, beadwork, and weaving, including how to turn raw wool into finished yarn with handcrafted weaving tools available for sale. Musicians and dancers will do presentations and continue throughout the day. A diverse genre of performances will occur this summer. Last year some performances included Navajo Council Speaker Lawrence Morgan from Pinedale Chapter, traditional songs; the internationally acclaimed Dinetah Dancers from Albuquerque, traditional dances; Sacred Wheel, drum group from Crownpoint; Cuba High School Indian Club, dancers; Na' Neelzhiin ji Olta (Torreon Day School) Indian Club, dancers; Emmet Yazzie and group, traditional dancers; Native American Church Harmonizers, singing; Old Valley Boys, song-and-dance singers; and Eastern Navajo Singers from Nageezi Chapter, song-and-dance singers. Song-and-Dance is a Navajo round dance to honor veterans, but it can also be a social dance that everyone is welcome to join. Audience participation is definitely invited.

Interested visitors at this year's Eastern Navajo Arts and Crafts Festival will also have priority for participation in unique educational experiences during the day. Last year the festival coordinator Sam Sala guided a tour from Torreon to Chaco Canyon. Also a featured weaver was presented, Rita Rafael, conducted a two-day workshop in Torreon helping five beginning weavers. View 2008 photos

ENACF benefits self-employed Navajo artists, food vendors, and other home-based entrepreneurs from the Eastern Navajo Nation Agency. Festival Supporters: Torreon Community Store, Torreon/Star Lake Chapter of the Navajo Nation, NM Tourism Dept. - Indian Tourism Program, JumpingSun.com