2023 Native American
Clothing Contest

LOCATION

Santa Fe Plaza Stage

DATE

Sun. August 20, 2023

TIME

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Mountain

ABOUT THIS EVENT

NATIVE AMERICAN CLOTHING CONTEST

SWAIA’s Native American Clothing Contest is a market favorite and one of the most
treasured events, year after year.

Our vision is to promote educational and community outreach and the preservation of traditional cultural regalia with a nod toward fashion.

Contestants are judged on newly created or heirloom attire consisting of Traditional handmade garment designs. They compete for prizes and ribbons in various age categories, from children to adults. The NACC celebrates the finest of traditional regalia and handmade creations of conventional and lineal designs from Indigenous cultures across North America.

Our goal is to empower artists and designers while sustaining the integrity of Indigenous heritage.

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors

REGISTRATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Native American Clothing Contest presents only a Traditional Category.

Juried artists accepted into SWAIA – Indian Market Classification(s) and holding a paid booth are welcome to apply. With authorized permission from a Juried Booth Holder, an immediate relative is also welcome to apply.

The Native American Clothing Contest presents a Traditional Category only, with a wide array of regalia and clothing from Indigenous Nations across North America.

Contestants are judged on handmade designs of traditional regalia and compete for ribbons and prize money in age categories from children to adults, which consist of men, women, boys, and girls.

Age Categories:

  • Tiny Tots (1-6 years old COMBINED),
  • Youth Juniors (7-12 years old),
  • Teens (13-17 years old),
  • Junior Adults (18-34 years old),
  • and Senior Adults (35 years & over).

Places:

  • First
  • Second
  • Honorable Mention in each category
  • One (1) Best of Show Winner.
  • August 20, 2023 (Sunday Morning)
  • Santa Fe Plaza Stage
  • Registration: 8:00am – 8:50am (No Exceptions!)
  • Showtime: 9:00am -1:00pm

The contest will start promptly at 9:00am. Please be on time.

*Spectators for this event do not need to purchase tickets.

The ONLINE application is available now and will CLOSE on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 5:00 pm.

Paper applications will be available in person at Registration on the Sunday morning of the
contest.

*We highly encourage applicants to opt for the online application process.

Traditional regalia that has been newly created or an heirloom piece. All clothing attire and accessories showcased in the NACC must be made with raw/organic materials and designed by an enrolled member of a U.S. Federally recognized tribe.

Yes. Official proof of Indian Blood (ID/CIB) is required for participating relatives and models entering the contest. An official or digital document is welcome to use.

One (1) item of clothing per application.

*Must not present the same outfit twice.

We encourage models to arrive dressed and ready to go. There will not be a dressing room, but a reserved space will be provided where contestants wait to be called for their age category.

Parking is on your own and very limited around the plaza. Please check local listings, including the Official Booth Guide and 2023 Market Map, for the general parking garages and lots diagram.