Gathering of Nations – World’s Largest Native American Cultural Event

Press Release—–

Showcases Artistic, Dance, Musical and Culinary Experiences
Hundreds of Thousands of People to Attend Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque between April 26 and 28

Albuquerque, NM – January 25, 2012 – The world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people will take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico between April 26 and 28, 2012. The 29th Annual Gathering of Nations, considered the most prominent Native American powwow in the world, will host tens of thousands of people and more than 500 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world celebrating their culture and traditions through dance, music, food and indigenous dress including feathers, bells, jingles and fringes.

The three-day event will include more than 3,000 traditional Native American singers and dancers will compete and entertain a capacity crowd, and more than 800 Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders will display and sell their work. In addition, dozens of different indigenous bands will be performing musical genres including country, reggae, rhythm and blues, hip-hop, and rock ‘n’ roll. Vendors in the Native Food Court will offer guests a wide variety of food choices ranging between southwestern-style cuisine and traditional Native American fare.
As part of the Gathering of Nations, a young Native American woman will be crowned Miss Indian World and represent all native and indigenous people as a cultural goodwill ambassador. As one of the largest and most prestigious cultural pageants, Native American and indigenous women representing their different tribes and traditions will compete in the areas of tribal knowledge, dancing ability, and personality assessment.

“We expect that this year’s Gathering of Nations to be the largest and most exciting powwow in the event’s 29-year history,” said Derek Mathews, founder of the Gathering of Nations. “From the drum and dance a competitions to the musical performances, this year’s gathering of Nations is sure to be an exhilarating experience for everyone.”

Considered one of the leading folk festivals in the world, the Gathering of Nations will be held at the University of New Mexico’s University Arena (known locally as “The Pit”) in Albuquerque and will begin on Thursday, April 26 with registration for singers and dancers. Later that evening, the Miss Indian World competition begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel – Albuquerque, just south of the Albuquerque city limits. The crowning will take place on Saturday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. at “The Pit.” The much anticipated “Grand Entry,” where thousands of Native American dancers simultaneously enter the stadium dressed in colorful outfits to the sounds of hundreds of beating drums, begins at noon on Friday, April 27.

Powwow tickets cost $17 per day and can be purchased at the door during the event or in advance online through mid–April 2012. For participants and guests traveling to the Gathering of Nations from outside the state, Southwest Airlines has special airfare deals. In addition, the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel – Albuquerque is the host hotel for the event and is providing special room rates and camping facilities at Isleta Lakes as well. For more information regarding purchasing tickets, airfare and hotel accommodations visit www.gatheringofnations.com.