Gathering of Nations | April 25 – 27,2024
The Gathering of Nations PowWow starts on the last Thursday – Saturday in April. The event is held at the Powwow Grounds at Tingley Coliseum. Activities include a Miss Indian World cultural pageant (Thursday night at the Albuquerque Convention Center), Stage 49 (Contemporary Music/Performance stage), Indian Traders’ Market (over 400 Arts & Crafts vendors), Native Food Court and more. The food vendors in the Native Food Court provide a large selection, ranging between southwestern-style cuisine to traditional Native American fare.
Gathering of Nations (GON) is the largest PowWow in the world. In fact, it is the “Super Bowl” of PowWows, with over $200,000 in cash and prizes awarded to singers and dancers competing. There are 36 dance categories, as well as different age group categories, including Elders (70+), Golden Age (55+), Adults (19+), Teens and Tiny Tots. Additionally, there are competitions for Northern Singers, Southern Singers, Women’s Back-up Singing, and a competition for Drum Groups and Drummers, as well as various special competitions. Also, they hold a pageant for Miss Indian World each year, choosing a winner based on personality, knowledge of tribal traditions, and dancing ability. Furthermore, there is an Indian Traders Market featuring artists, crafters selling Native American and Indigenous arts and crafts.
This is a rain or shine event!
The Grand Entry
The PowWow officially begins with the initial Grand Entry on Friday at noon. At that time, dancers, representing indigenous tribes from throughout the United States and Canada, stream into the arena. As the drums beat, more dancers flow on to the floor of the stadium, joining a clockwise procession that builds with the tempo of the drums until there is barely room to move. The thunderous rhythm of the drums and singing fills the arena, the music augmented by the thousands of bells and rattles worn by the dancers, punctuating every movement, creating a cacophony of sound. The colorful traditional attire creates an overwhelming visual experience. In total, more than 3,500 dancers participate, representing over 500 U.S. tribes, as well as approximately 200 Canadian tribes.
When event organizers moved the festival from the UNM Basketball arena to the State Fairgrounds, they brought horses back into the celebration. There is a horse and rider regalia parade honoring the importance of horses to various tribes.
Gathering of Nations History
The Gathering of Nations Powwow and Miss Indian World Pageant was founded by Derek and Dr. Lita Mathews. Originally, they wanted to create a world class annual festival celebrating indigenous art, culture, customs and heritage. The idea was to produce an event that would assemble the tribes of North America for a unique celebration, with singing and dancing competition open and fair to all.
They held the inaugural event in 1983 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The event became known as “Gathering of Nations PowWow” in 1984 and relocated to the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, where it was held for two years. Unfortunately, the space couldn’t accommodate the growth, so they moved to the University of New Mexico’s Basketball Arena in 1986. With seating for 20,000+, the venue allowed the Gathering to grow…and it did, selling out for 30 years. In 2016, UNM inexplicably decided to cancel the relationship, forcing the Mathews to scramble for a large enough venue to keep Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque.
PowWow Grounds at EXPO New Mexico
Gathering of Nations returned to the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in 2017, known as Expo New Mexico. However, they are no longer confined to a small horse area. The event is housed on the newly built PowWow Grounds, which includes Tingley Coliseum. With the expanded space, visitors can easily navigate the venues outside of Tingley, including Stage 49, the Indian Trader’s Market, the Food Court, and the new Teepee Village. The Mathews’ daughter, Melonie, has joined her parents to help organize and host the event.
Over the past four decades, the event has evolved from humble beginnings into an illustrious world-class festival celebrating every facet of indigenous culture. Not only are lifelong connections and friendships forged at the event, it provides an outstanding opportunity for the next generation to learn from their elders. People from around the world travel to Albuquerque specifically for the event. Additionally, the Miss Indian World Pageant has become the largest and most prestigious Cultural Pageant for young Native/Indigenous women.
The Gathering of Nations experience does not end when you head home. It is an experience that sticks with you, the drums pounding internally for days, the experience permeating your heart and mind. Hopefully the experience imbues guests with the camaraderie and kindness of the PowWow experience.
Culture, History, Heritage, Tradition
From PowWows.com
“Pow Wows are the Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships, and making new ones. This is a time method to renew Native American culture and preserve the rich heritage of American Indians.”
Dance
Dancing has always been an important part of the life and customs of the indigenous tribes of North America. Though dancing styles and content have changed over time, the meaning and importance of dance has not. The regalia worn by the dancers is elaborate and has evolved over time, like all fashion. However, this emphasizes that the cultures represented are not static or stagnant. In fact, the passing of traditional knowledge and practices isn’t simply about paying homage to the past, it is equally focused on paving the way for a resilient, vibrant future for the next generation.
Whereas most dances seen at PowWows today are social dances, the dancing may have had different meanings and purposes in the past. In general, dances associated with ceremonies are typically not open to the public and cameras/video is forbidden. However, Gathering of Nations allows both. Photographers/videographers should obtain permission from dancers and photo subjects outside of the arena.
Song
Singers are a significant part of the PowWow tradition, with songs dedicated to many facets of traditional life; religious, war and social. The songs reflect the old ways and rich traditions of the past, serving as a reminder of the rich heritage and history of North America’s indigenous people. Furthermore, when the tribes assemble at Gathering of Nations, they often share their songs, occasionally changing them so singers from different tribes can sing along. To overcome the challenges associated with many unrelated languages, they sometimes incorporate “vocables” to replace the words. In fact, some songs are entirely “vocables,” with no discernible words, though the song still holds meaning for those who are familiar with it. However, many songs are sung in their original Native American languages and dialects.
Stage 49
Stage 49 is included in the cost of admission. They showcase contemporary Native music and entertainment on Friday and Saturday. All genres of music are represented, including Rock, Blues, Reggae, Hip Hop, Country, DJ’s, Jam Bands, and more.
Stage 49 was originally known as the Electric 49, which was an annual Native American Music concert coinciding with the PowWow, but otherwise unaffiliated with the official event. The group Red Earth created the concert in 1998. They hosted it for 8 years, featuring acts like Red Earth, Robert Mirabal, Native Roots, Ethnic DeGeneration, Casper, Derek Miller, Stoic Frame, and DJ Abel (among others). However, Red Earth has been on hiatus since 2006. Stage 49 was conceived to continue the mission of The Electric 49, which was to focus on highlighting Native American Musicians.
More Information
Gathering of Nations is Thursday through Saturday on the last weekend of April at Tingley Coliseum, located at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque. The PowWow celebrates indigenous culture, history and traditions.
The Gathering of Nations PowWow attracts tens of thousands of people to Albuquerque, with more than 800 tribes from the U.S., Canada, and around the world, participating each year.
You need to see and hear this event to fully understand the atmosphere and experience. The drumming defines the rhythm and cadence for the spectators and the dancers, with the steady percussion synchronizing thousands of heartbeats over the 2-day event.
The 3-day event includes
- 3,000+ Native American singers and dancers competing for prizes
- 800+ Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders displaying and selling their work
- 30+ contemporary indigenous music groups performing on Stage 49.
Tingley Coliseum
300 San Pedro Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505) 265-1791
(505) 836-2810
website@gatheringofnations.com
Admission | Tickets Sold at the Door
Lodging
Camping on GON Pow Wow Grounds at Expo NM
Camping space is limited. However, there are full hookups and dry spaces. Additionally, showers are available. Reserve space online starting in November.
Hotels (Ask for GON Hotel Rates)
- Double Tree Hotel (Downtown) 800-584-5058
- Marriot (Uptown) Hotel 800-228-9290
- Ramada ABQ (Midtown) 505-884-5058
- Fairfield Inn & Suites (Airport) 505-247-1621
- Large Group Assistance, call ABQ Hispano Chamber, (505) 842-9003
Miss Indian World Talent Presentations
Gathering of Nation’s hosts the Miss Indian World Talent Presentations at the Kiva Auditorium on Thursday. Miss Indian World 2019 will be crowned after the Saturday Grand Entry at EXPO New Mexico. The recipient of the Miss Indian World Talent Presentation is honored as a cultural goodwill ambassador on behalf of native and indigenous people.
Miss Indian World Talent Presentation (Thursday)
Albuquerque Convention Center – Kiva Auditorium
401 2nd St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 768-4575
Parking off of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Marquette NW
Tickets $15
Tickets available at the door 3 PM
Will Call Open at 5 PM
Doors open 6 PM, Showtime 7 PM
2-Day Gathering of Nations Pow Wow
The event is an overwhelming 3-day visual and auditory bounty of dancing and drums. Moreover, there is an emotional vibe that is hard to describe.
GON PowWow Schedule
Thursday
- 9 AM – 3 PM – Ticket/Box Office open for Ticket Sales and Will Call
Gate 8 & Gate 3 - 9 AM – 3 PM – Dancer/Drum Registration
Expo New Mexico, Enter Gate 8 ONLY - 3 PM – Tickets for sale for the Miss Indian World Traditional Presentations at the ABQ Convention Center – Upper Level
- 5 PM – Will Call open for Miss Indian World Traditional Presentations tickets ONLY
NO PowWow Tickets (unless ordered with Miss Indian World) - 7 PM – 10 PM – Miss Indian World Traditional Talent Presentations
Albuquerque Convention Center | Kiva Auditorium
Friday
- 9 AM – 10 PM – Ticket/Box Office open for Ticket Sales and Will Call – Gate 8 & Gate 3
- 9 AM – 2 PM – Dancer/Drum Registration @ Expo NM, Enter Gate 8 ONLY
- 10 AM – Gates Open to the General Public to the PowWow Grounds
- 10 AM – 11:45 AM – Musical Performances inside Tingley Coliseum, all venues open
Traders’ Market, Stage 49, Food Court, Teepee Village - 12 PM – Grand Entry of Dancers inside Tingley
- 1 PM – 5 PM – Contest Dancing – all venues with various programming around PowWow Grounds
- 2 PM – Miss Indian World Public Speaking Competition at Stage 49
- 4 PM – Horse and Rider Parade
PowWow Grounds and down Main Street - 5 PM – Gourd Dancing
- 7 PM – Grand Entry of Dancers
- 8 PM – Miss Indian World Dance Competition
- 8:30 PM – Adult and Specialty Competitions
- 12 AM (midnight) – Close for evening
Saturday
- 9 AM – 10 PM – Ticket/Box Office open for Ticket Sales and Will Call – Gate 8 & Gate 3
- 10 AM – Gates Open to the General Public to the PowWow Grounds
- 10 AM – 11:45 AM – Musical Performances inside Tingley Coliseum, All Venues Open
Traders’ Market, Stage 49, Food Court, Teepee Village - 12 PM – Grand Entry of Dancers inside Tingley
- 1 PM – 5 PM – Contest Dancing
All venues with various programming around PowWow Grounds - 3 PM – Horse and Rider Parade
PowWow Grounds and down Main Street - 4 PM – Gourd Dancing
- 6 PM – Grand Entry of Dancers
- 8 PM – Miss Indian World Crowing
- 9 PM – Adult and Specialty Competitions
- 12 AM (midnight) | Close
Program times are subject to change.
