Thousands Gather for the Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The annual Gathering of Nations festival kicked off on April 25, 2025, drawing thousands to celebrate Native American and Indigenous cultures through dance, music, and artisan crafts. Regarded as North America’s largest powwow, the event began with a vibrant procession of dancers adorned in elaborate regalia, captivating the audience with rhythmic drumming.
Participants from various tribes donned colorful attire, some embellished with jingling bells and feathers. As Deshava Apachee, a member of the Mescalero Apache and Navajo tribes, highlighted, the significance of this gathering extends beyond entertainment: “It’s for healing, it’s for strength, it’s for reconnecting.”
The festival also includes the crowning of Miss Indian World and horse parades, where competitors are judged on the artistry of their beaded adornments and feathered headdresses, along with their skill in working with horses.
The tradition of powwows is relatively recent, emerging in the 1800s amidst significant upheaval for Native tribes as they were forcibly displaced by U.S. expansion. These gatherings fostered intertribal solidarity and allowed for cultural exchange through song and dance. However, the commercialization of large powwows, such as Gathering of Nations, has sparked discussions about cultural authenticity and exploitation.
The term "powwow" itself comes from the Algonquian word "pau wau," originally referring to a medicine man, but has evolved to encompass a variety of Native gatherings. Today, powwows can feature contemporary, eye-catching attire meant for competition, contrasting with traditional ceremonial dress that embodies cultural values.
As the festival unfolds, it remains a vital platform for Indigenous expression and cultural identity, drawing participants and spectators from around the globe.
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