Haka: Māori Cultural Experience coming to Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The 100th Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial starts Thursday and, in addition to being a celebration of Native American culture, other Indigenous cultures will also be celebrated as the festival runs through Aug. 14.

One of the groups is the Haka: Māori Cultural Experience group. A haka originates from Aotearoa/New Zealand and is performed as a ceremonial Māori war dance – and New Zealand sports teams often perform one before their international matches.

A smaller group will perform at 7 p.m., Aug. 6, at the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial as a part of a “One World Beat” evening showcase of songs and dances from various Native American and Indigenous tribes.

The group gave a little teaser Monday morning on KOB 4 and talked about what to expect this weekend. Click the video above to view the interview and performance.