RNCI has its roots in Santa Fe, New Mexico, produced during the famous Indian Market (1995); RNCI pioneered the MUSIC MOVEMENT during Indian Market.

In 1996, RNCI launched NATIVE WOMEN in MUSIC, NWIM has become a MUSIC MOVEMENT.

In 1998, Red Nation Celebration Institute produced their signature event Native Indigenous ‘Concert Series’ during the most important weeks of the music industry “The Grammy Awards Week.” In 2003, RNCI “Concert Series” became an “Official Grammy Event”

In 2005, RNCI launched the music scene on the Plaza during Indian Market.

Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) was established out of a direct need. RNC has its roots in Santa Fe, New Mexico, produced during the famous Indian Market (1995 to 1997); RNCI pioneered the music movement during Indian Market. In 1995 there wasn’t any contemporary American Indian music being performed during Indian Market. Today, there is Native contemporary music being performed all over Santa Fe during Indian Market.

In 1998, Red Nation Celebration Institute produced their signature event Native Indigenous ‘Concert Series’  during the most important weeks of the music industry “The Grammy Awards Week.” In 2003, Red Nation Celebration “Concert Series” became an “Official Grammy Event” and went on to become Red Nation Celebration’s “Signature” Event.

In 2005, Red Nation launched the music scene on the Plaza during Indian Market week-end in Santa Fe NM and now native music is being performed on the plaza.

2010 RNCI brought “Red Nation Film Festival – On the Road” (RNFF) to Santa Fe, taking place during Indian Market. Red Nation Film Festival established the Red Carpet Events during Indian Market, never before had Indian Market had a red carpet event! in 2011 Red Nation Film Festival – On the Road, was once again brought to Santa Fe during Indian Market.

2015 Red Nation Celebration Institute will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary in partnership with IFAM bringing ‘Red Nation Film Festival – On the Road’ and our signature event Red Nation Celebration ‘Concert Series’ . August 20-22.

Red Nation Celebration “Concert Series”  and Red Nation Film Festival “On the Road” is still being produced during Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico in August. Representing performing arts, American Indian & Indigenous music, actors, writers, directors, producers, and visual artists.

Due to Red Nation’s vision, native music is being heard throughout Indian Market. Red Nation inspired this music movement and now audiences can experience native music almost anywhere throughout the United States. Red Nation’s success is a revolution and presentation of Native music from all over Indian Country from within the communities urban to reservations. Red Nation was recognized as a groundbreaking concept and became a widely publicized event of national stature. Red Nation has successfully featured American Indian recording artists, Grammy winners and nominees, and has been a launching pad for numerous American Indian musicians who have been signed to labels since performing at Red Nation’s concerts over the last 27 years.

#MusicHasThePowerToBringUsAllTogether coined by RNCI founder Joanelle Romero, in 1995.