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What you need to know about Gathering of Nations
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Known as the largest powwow in the United States, Gathering of Nations returns to Albuquerque for its 42nd year from Thursday, April 24, through Saturday, April 26, bringing with it a celebration of Indigenous culture from tribes across the world.
The event draws in people globally, from those who want to appreciate the cultural significance of the event and those who are sharing their culture and celebrating it.
“Presently there are more than 506 recognized tribes in the United States and over 200 tribal bands in Canada,” said Derek Mathews, founder of the event. “Most likely there will be many people attending from all tribes in the U.S.A. and Canada.”
Last year, the event drew a crowd of over 100,000 people and had over 5 million viewers worldwide from a free livestream webcast.
“Such engagement not only highlights the cultural significance of this event, it also underscores its potency and bridging communities across physical digital platforms,” Mathews said.
From traditional song and dance to a horse and rider regalia parade — where riders showcase riding skills — Gathering of Nations is filled with culturally relevant activities and competitions to highlight the variations of Indigenous culture, like the Miss Indian World Pageant, where a winner is chosen based off of personality, dancing abilities and knowledge of tribal traditions.
One of the main highlights of the three-day event is the dance competition, where each year, thousands of Indigenous people compete in full regalia to show their skills. In total, there are 36 dance categories, from children under 6 years old to people in their 70s.
“This is a Native family-oriented event which attracts participants from the very youngest to the oldest,” Mathews said. “With many of the families participating and attending, they go four generations deep.”
Gathering of Nations isn’t just for people to watch, but to immerse themselves in a culture unlike any other.
When guests aren’t listening to booming drums that beat to their own rhythm, they can take a trip through the Indian Traders Market, which features artists and crafters selling authentic Native American arts and crafts like handcrafted jewelry from bead makers and silversmiths. Each year, over 500 vendors sell merchandise throughout the event.
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Stage 49 offers a line-up of artists from varying genres like rock, country, hip-hop and reggae. Guests can expect to see artists like DJ Logic, Banda 505 and Mariachi Amigos De Nuevo Mexico.
”For me and my family, the production of the annual Gathering of Nations Powwow is a love of life, a dedication to the people and the cultures we love, live and respect,” Mathews said.
“The Gathering of Nations brings together Native and non-Native people from all over the world, for all Gathering provides them,” Mathews added. “It is the coming together for the spiritually good feelings from the beats of the drums to the bells and jingles which are considered sacred. To see the people having a good time is always a joy for me.”
