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The largest powwow in North America, according to organizers, is drawing tens of thousands of people to New Mexico.
The annual Gathering of Nations began on Friday with a vibrant procession of Native American and Indigenous dancers from all over the world filling the arena at the New Mexico state fairgrounds to the beat of traditional drums.
The announcer opened by introducing several drum groups, including one from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, and then declared, “We’re ready to rock the house here.”
Dancers slowly spiral their way, one by one, toward the center of the venue throughout the event, creating an amazing display.
The event, which began modestly in 1983 and has grown into a huge celebration with Indigenous people showcasing their cultures through dancing and singing competitions, is now in its 40th year.
The competitors’ feathered bustles, buckskin dresses, elaborate shawls, and beaded head and hair accessories are on display for spectators to admire. The elaborate costumes worn by the dancers feature many hand-stitched details.
At the Gathering of Nations, most dancers compete for cash prizes.
For the title of Miss Indian World, more than twenty competitors are competing from the United States and Canada. The winner will be announced on the last night of the powwow and will spend the following year traveling to events and other powwows as a cultural ambassador.
The gathering, which has grown to be Albuquerque’s second-largest annual festival and generates more than $20 million for the area’s economy annually, features several hundred Native American tribes from the United States and Canada.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, organizers held virtual gatherings in 2020 and 2021. The second in-person meeting since public health regulations were loosened has taken place now.
