31st Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow Showcases Artistic, Dance, Musical and Culinary Experiences
The 31st Annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is considered the most prominent Native cultural event in the world. Tens of thousands of people attend from around the world including over 700 tribes. There are also singing competitions, artisan contests, and many craftsmen displaying and selling their crafts.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—The world’s largest gathering of Native American and Indigenous people took place on Thursday, April 24, 2014 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 31st Annual Gathering of Nations, considered the most prominent Native American powwow in the North America, again hosted tens of thousands of people and more than 700 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world.
The three-day event included more than 3,000 Native American singers and dancers competing, and more than 800 Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders displaying and selling their work. In addition, 27 contemporary indigenous bands will be performing a wide variety of musical genres on Stage 49 including a fashion show and DJ glow dance event. Vendors in the Native Food Court will offer guests a large selection of food choices ranging between southwestern-style cuisine and traditional Native American fare.
As part of the Gathering of Nations, a young Native American woman was crowned Miss Indian World and represents all Native and Indigenous people as a cultural goodwill ambassador.
As one of the largest and most prestigious cultural pageants, Native American and indigenous women will represent their different tribes and traditions. The contestants will compete in the areas of tribal knowledge through interviews, essays, public speaking and traditional presentation, and dance.
“The Gathering of Nations is the world’s largest powwow bringing people from throughout the United States and the world to the event each year,” said Derek Mathews, founder of the Gathering of Nations. “The Gathering of Nations strives to be a positive cultural experience that is exhilarating for everyone. The powwow features thousands of dancers performing different styles from many regions and tribes, offers the finest in Native American arts and crafts in the Indian Traders Market, a delicious variety of Native American and Southwest cuisine, and the best in contemporary entertainment performances on Stage 49.”
The Gathering of Nations honored LaDonna Harris, founder and president of Americans for Indian Opportunity and adoptive Comanche mother of Actor Johnny Depp, for her lifelong contributions to Native Americans as a national leader, statesmen, social activist, and advocate for tribal America. The ceremony took place on Saturday, April 26 at 4 p.m.
The Gathering of Nations opened with the Miss Indian World competition on Thursday, April 24 at at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The much anticipated “Grand Entry,” where thousands of Native American dancers simultaneously enter the arena dressed in colorful regalia began at noon on Friday, April 25. The Grand Entry was repeated Friday evening and twice on Saturday. The new Miss Indian World was crowned on Saturday evening, after the Grand Entry. The Gathering of Nations was held at the University of New Mexico’s University Arena (known as “The Pit”) in Albuquerque.
