Here's what to know about attending Gathering of Nations -- the largest powwow in North America.
Adrian Gomez Adrian GomezAdrian Gomez Journal Arts Editor
PublishedModified
Forty-one years.
That’s the marker the 2024 Gathering of Nations Powwow will reach when the three-day event begins on Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27.
The three-day event kicks off with Miss Indian World, which is held at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Thursday, April 25.
On Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, the event takes place at Tingley Coliseum on the Expo New Mexico grounds. This is where dancers, musicians and vendors will be gathered.
"The legacy that we've built with the event is astounding," said Derek Mathews, founder and festival director. "This event has worldwide reach now. We are able to host thousands in person and livestream it to the world."
The Gathering of Nations, which first took place in 1983, has grown into the largest powwow in North America.
It serves as a platform for Indigenous peoples from the United States, Canada and beyond to come together and share their unique traditions while fostering cross-cultural understanding and respect.
Planned events include the grand entry of dancers, which takes place both April 26-27.
There will also be a horse and rider parade, while entertainers grace Stage 49, which features more than a dozen acts.
Tickets for Miss Indian World are $15, while one-day admission is $25. A two-day wristband for GON is $45. Tickets are available at gatheringofnations.com or at the door at Expo New Mexico during the event.
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Gathering of Nations
People prepare for the Grand Entry of Dancers during the Gathering of Nations at Expo New Mexico, in Albuquerque on Saturday, April 29, 2023.Chancey Bush
Kevin Haywahe, Lakota, of northern Canada prepares for the Grand Entrance during the Gathering of Nations at Expo New Mexico, in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, April 29, 2023. (Chancey Bush/Albuquerque Journal)
Hundreds of people take part in the Grand Entry of Dancers on the 2nd day of the Gathering of Nations. The three day celebration of Native American people is going on at Expo New Mexico, in Albuquerque, Friday, April 28, 2023. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)Eddie Moore
Skyej Beasley, Shoshone/Bannock, from North Dakota, performs during the competition singing and dancing at the 2nd day of the Gathering of Nations. The three day celebration of Native American people is going on at Expo New Mexico, in Albuquerque, Friday, April 28, 2023. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)Eddie Moore
Slock-I-Wash, Yakama, from Washington State, takes part in a dance during the 2nd day of the Gathering of Nations. The three day celebration of Native American people is going on at Expo New Mexico, in Albuquerque, Friday, April 28, 2023. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)Eddie Moore
Ambrose Day-Bedeau, 16, from Minnesota, performs during the competition singing and dancing at the 2nd day of the Gathering of Nations. The three day celebration of Native American people is going on at Expo New Mexico, in Albuquerque, Friday, April 28, 2023. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)Eddie Moore
Indigenous excellence: Gathering of Nations Powwow brings together global Native culture in a three-day event
Skyej Beasley (Shoshone/Bannock), from North Dakota, performs during the singing and dancing competition at the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Tommy Smith, with the Poarch Creek tribe from Alabama, takes part in the Grand Entry of Dancers on the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Easton Wolf, 12, center, from North Dakota, performs during the singing and dancing competition at the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Dancers performs during the competition singing and dancing at the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Slock-I-Wash, Yakama, from Washington state, takes part in a dance during the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Jovena Scabbyrobe, 19, Blackfeet/Yakama, from Washington state, takes part in a dance during the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Stephanie Brown, 12, Dine, from Window Rock, Arizona, takes part in a dance during the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
People performs during the Grand Entry of Dancers at the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Ambrose Day-Bedeau, 16, from Minnesota, performs during the competition singing and dancing at the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Brooklin Smoker, left, Piute, from Bishop, California, takes part in the Grand Entry of Dancers on the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Hundreds of people take part in the Grand Entry of Dancers on the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
Nathan Hosetosavit, Mescalero Apache, takes part in the Grand Entry of Dancers on the second day of the Gathering of Nations in 2023.Eddie Moore
