Those visiting the National Museum of the American Indian will notice a new sculpture gracing its entrance. “Buffalo Dancer II,” George Rivera’s 12-foot, 2,000-pound bronze, depicts an American Indian performing a sacred dance. The artist, who governs the Pueblo of Pojoaque, jogs on the Mall near his sculpture when in town discussing tribal issues with government leaders.
Back home, Gov. Rivera is seen jogging around Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, which displays his original stone “Buffalo Dancer.” Buffalo Thunder opened in 2008 on sovereign Pojoaque Pueblo land enveloped by the entrancing Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains. It’s 13 miles north but a world away from Santa Fe, N.M.
The stone and metal work gleams, the rooms radiate bliss, the pool sparkles, the Wo’ P’in Spa corridors glow, the Towa Golf Course shimmers like a mirage. Yet the modern luxuries are underpinned by age-old heritage reflected in the decor and furniture designed by Rivera. Pueblo colors, texture and symbols abound.
Of the resort’s name, Rivera explained: “The white buffalo is seen by Native Americans as a symbol of hope and renewal for humanity, and for harmony between people of all races, in our world today.”
Pueblo pottery, sculpture and other artworks energize the resort’s public areas, galleries and shops.
Wo’ P’in (wo-Peen) — “Medicine Mountain” in Tewa, the language and culture of most of New Mexico’s northern Pueblos — offers spa treatments combining locally sourced products, scents derived from indigenous flora with Southwest American Indian healing traditions. Example: Melanie Chavez’s hot stone massage integrates powerful yet relaxing body stretching. Other assets: wet and dry saunas in both men’s and women’s facilities.
“We love to draw from the rich culture of New Mexico,” said spa director Stacy Shepherd. “Its traditions are reflected in our treatments, the hands of our providers and the beautiful healing energy of our spa.”
Operated by the Pueblo of Pojoaque in partnership with Hilton, the 800,000-square-foot resort boasts all nonsmoking rooms, celebrity chef Mark Miller’s Red Sage restaurant and walking trails on 587 acres of tribal land. What goes on in the casino stays in the casino, thanks to smart building design.
Nearby, the Poeh (“pathways”) Center enthralls with history told by the Tewa, who struggled to survive. And between the galleries at the resort and Pojoaque Pueblo Visitor Center, you’ll find some heritage to take home.
Reach Robin Tierney at [email protected]
