Gathering of Nations

The Gathering of Nations is the largest pow-wow in the United States and North America. It happens every year during the fourth weekend in April at the Powwow Grounds in Expo NM, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Many tribes, more than 565 from the United States and 220 from Canada, come together for this special event. Thousands of people visit each year to watch and learn.

This gathering is very important for the local economy. In 2019, it helped bring about $24 million to Albuquerque. During the event, nearly 300 people are hired to help with all the activities. The event is organized by a company called Gathering of Nations, Ltd.

In 2026, this wonderful event will hold its last meeting, as planned by Gathering of Nations Ltd. It has been a celebrated tradition for many years, bringing together cultures and creating lasting memories.

Competitions within the pow-wow

Dance competitions happen in 36 different groups, such as Elders (70+), Golden Age (55+), Adults (19+), Teens, and Tiny Tots. Thousands of dancers join in each year. The Grand Entry is when many dancers wear beautiful costumes and enter the arena together.

There are also contests for drum groups and individual drummers. They compete in two styles: northern drums and southern drums, which have different beats.

A parade and competition for horses and riders started in 2018. Riders show off their skills and traditional clothing. There are categories for women, men, and Best in Show. Winners receive cash and special blankets.

Each year, a pageant called Miss Indian World is held. The winner is chosen for their personality, knowledge of traditions, and dancing skills. In 2024, Kassie John from the Navajo Nation was crowned Miss Indian World.

There are also singing contests for Northern Singers, Southern Singers, and Women's Back-Up Singing.

Indian Traders Market

The Indian Traders Market is a special place where artists, crafters, and traders come to sell beautiful Native American and Indigenous arts and crafts. You can find jewelry-makers who work with silver and beads, along with many other creative sellers. In 2010, about 800 people were part of this market, sharing their handmade treasures with visitors.

History

The Gathering of Nations was started by Derek Mathews. It has taken place in different spots in Albuquerque, New Mexico. From 1990 to 2016, it was usually held at the University of New Mexico, often at the UNM Arena and once at the football stadium in 2010. In May 2017, the event moved to Tingley Coliseum at EXPO New Mexico and stopped a scholarship program that had helped students for 27 years.

Because of COVID-19 rules, the 2020 and 2021 events were shown online instead of in person, but returned to Tingley Coliseum in 2022. On August 17, 2025, officials shared that the 2026 Gathering of Nations will be the last one held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States.

Popular and social movements

The Gathering of Nations has helped support many important causes. In 1991, Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills and Donny Belcourt talked about creating a special team for Native American athletes in the Olympics. In 2000, they raised money to honor an actor and stunt double with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. In 2019, the Gathering worked with Miss Indian World and Congresswoman Deb Haaland to focus on helping missing and murdered indigenous women and bring more attention to this important issue.

Musical performances (non-competitive)

Stage 49

In 2008, Stage 49 became a special place for Native musicians at the Gathering of Nations. It hosts both traditional and modern Indigenous artists, performing many kinds of music such as Rock, Blues, Reggae, and Hip Hop. Some artists who have performed there include Kevens, the Levi Platero Band, and One Way Sky.

Electric 49

The Electric 49 was a yearly concert for Native American music started by the group Red Earth in 1998. It featured many talented musicians from across the Americas, playing styles such as Heavy metal, Reggae, Blues, and Hip hop. However, since 2006, the concert has paused and has not continued.

Music album

The 2010 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow had an album called A Spirit's Dance. It was made by Tom Bee and won a Grammy award for the best Native American music album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.