Kansas Begaye of Rio Rancho was crowned Miss Indian World at the Annual Gathering of Nations pow wow in 2013

40 years of Gathering of Nations

Since the Gathering of Nations started officially in 1984, people from hundreds of tribal nations across Turtle Island have met every fourth weekend of April in New Mexico to celebrate

Author:
ICT
Publish date:
Apr 24, 2024

Kansas Begaye of Rio Rancho was crowned Miss Indian World at the Annual Gathering of Nations pow wow in 2013

Since the Gathering of Nations started officially in 1984, people from hundreds of tribal nations across Turtle Island have met every fourth weekend of April in New Mexico to celebrate

ICT

One of the largest powwows in the United States, Gathering of Nations, will be coming together again this year on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 in Albuquerque, New Mexico for its 40th year.

Powwow dancers and spectators will see the tremendous event that brings thousands of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together that uplifts tribal traditions and the powwow way. The powwow also has contest categories with money on the line that often attracts the top Indigenous dancers.

But the Gathering of Nations Powwow at the Tingley Coliseum/Expo New Mexico won’t be the only event going on. There will be the crowning of Miss Indian World, shopping at the Indian Trader’s Market, Horse & Rider Parade and the chance to see music performances on Powwow Alley’s Stage 49.

“(The Horse & Rider Parade) showcases the unique, distinguished heritage, and culture of the North American tribes which originate the horse culture way of life. Riders and the horse are dressed in traditional Native American regalia and ‘dressed’ in various tribal styles and adornments,” the Gathering of Nations said on its Facebook page.

Competitors in the women and men’s categories have the chance to win $1,000. There is also a Best of Show award for all participants.

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The Two-Spirit community will have their own Two Spirit Grand Entry on Friday at 5 p.m. It is the seventh time the SW Two Spirit Society is inviting the Two-Spirit community to convene together at the Gathering of Nations. They will also be having a dinner and awards to honor their elders and a drag show on Saturday and a Nizhoni Days Powwow on Sunday.

For those who can’t make it to New Mexico, follow the Gathering of Nations on Facebook and on YouTube.

Tickets can still be purchased for $15 at the door for Miss Indian World Traditional Presentations on Friday. Afterwards contestants will partake in a public speaking competition at Stage 49. Two day bands for the powwow will be available only at the event for $45 and a single day ticket for $25 can be purchased online. Parking prices range from $20 to $60.

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