Gathering of Nations Powwow Creates Opportunity

Nearly 3,000 American Indian dancers and singers representing more than 700 tribes of Canada and the United States will come together to celebrate and share culture at the Gathering of Nations Powwow and Miss Indian World Pageant April 26-28 at Tingley Coliseum/Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque. The event celebrates 35 years in 2018, with allevents open to the public and photos encouraged.

“The Gathering of Nations Powwow is an exceptional opportunity for all people to experience and learn about Native American culture,” says Rick Smith, owner of the Oldest House Indian Shop. “The activities like competition Indian singing and dancing and a street fair filled with native foods, arts and crafts, and music are amazing. The movement, colors and sounds make for an experience like no other.”

The GON website www.gatheringofnations.com quotes Flint Carney, a long time friend and member of the Kiowa tribe, who said, “The greatest thing about the Gathering of Nations is the respect that is shown to all Native people of the world.”

The event begins with the Miss Indian World Pageant, the world’s largest cultural pageant for young native and indigenous women. On April 26 at 7 p.m., the Miss Indian World Traditional Talent Presentations take place at the Albuquerque Convention Center-Kiva Auditorium. The young women compete in public speaking at 1:30 p.m. on April 27 and 28 at Stage 49 on the Powwow Grounds of Expo New Mexico. The title of Miss Indian World will be awarded on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. inside Tingley Coliseum.

The Powwow schedule begins at 10 a.m. on April 27 and 28 with pre-powwow performances inside Tingley Coliseum and the food court and Traders’ Market open all day. Events throughout the day include dancers’ grand entries, contemporary stage performances, competition singing and dancing, and horse and rider regalia parades. See the complete Gathering of Nations Powwow schedule at www.gatheringofnations.com.

“This is the way of powwow life and teachings, which are provided and handed down from the elders to the younger generations,” the GON website says. “The Gathering of Nations experience does not end when you leave and head for home, but rather continues in your heart and mind, remains with you down the road to the next event, powwow or your own personal family gathering(s).”

Visit the Oldest House Indian shop at 215 E. De Vargas St. in Santa Fe or online at www.oldesthouseindianshop.com.

Phone: 505-988-2488

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