Toward the Cortez Cultural Center’s mission to “act as a catalyst for cultural respect, continuity, and innovation,” we offer a variety of information, merchandise, and activities celebrating southwestern Native American cultures past and present.
From the end of May through early September you have the chance to enjoy Native American Dances and Cultural Programs in our amphitheater and art gallery. Throughout the year the Center’s gift shop features hand-made items from Native American artisans, including Pinyon Hand Cream and lotions, horse-hair pottery, jewelry, and fetishes. The Cortez Cultural Center’s bookstore has a variety of books, for young people and adults, about southwestern Native American cultures through time. Our museum has several cases interpreting southwestern Native material culture. Navajo graphite artist Jerry Cohoe has a permanent display of art, and the story and significance of each piece, on exhibit in our gift shop. The mural on the north side of the Cortez Cultural Center’s historic building depicts a scene from day-to-day life in a pueblo. The Navajo Hogan located next to the dance plaza gives visitors a view of a traditional Navajo dwelling.