Gathering of Nations

Gathering of Nations
Name	Gathering of Nations
Genre	Powwow
Frequency	Annual
Location	Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Years active	1983-present
Founder	Derek Mathews

Gathering of Nations is a prominent annual powwow and cultural event that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, R. Carlos Nakai, and Joanne Shenandoah. The event is attended by thousands of people from various Native American communities, including the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as visitors from around the world, such as Canada, Mexico, and Australia. The Gathering of Nations is a celebration of Native American culture, showcasing traditional music, dance, and art, with participation from notable organizations like the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund. The event has been recognized by prominent institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress.

Introduction

The Gathering of Nations is a unique event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds, including Native American tribes such as the Lakota, Ojibwe, and Cree, to celebrate their shared heritage and cultural traditions. The event features a range of activities, including powwow dancing, traditional music performances, and art exhibitions, with contributions from esteemed artists like Floyd Red Crow Westerman and Wilma Mankiller. The Gathering of Nations is also an opportunity for attendees to learn about Native American history and culture, with presentations by scholars from institutions like Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, the event provides a platform for Native American leaders, such as Wilma Mankiller and Clyde Bellecourt, to discuss important issues affecting their communities, including those related to the Indian Reorganization Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

History

The Gathering of Nations was founded in 1983 by Derek Mathews, a Native American entrepreneur and event organizer, with the goal of promoting Native American culture and unity among the various Native American tribes, including the Iroquois Confederacy and the Great Plains Indian tribes. The event has since grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious powwows in North America, attracting visitors from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as well as from international organizations like the United Nations and the International Indian Treaty Council. Over the years, the Gathering of Nations has featured performances by notable artists, including Rita Coolidge, John Trudell, and Ulali, and has been recognized by prominent awards, such as the National Medal of Arts and the Native American Music Award.

Events and Activities

The Gathering of Nations features a wide range of events and activities, including powwow dancing, traditional music performances, and art exhibitions, with participation from renowned artists like George Longfish and Kay WalkingStick. The event also includes a Miss Indian World pageant, which is a competition among young Native American women from various tribes, including the Cherokee Nation and the Navajo Nation, to showcase their cultural knowledge, traditional skills, and leadership abilities, with judges from institutions like the National Museum of the American Indian and the Native American Journalists Association. Additionally, the Gathering of Nations offers a range of workshops and classes, taught by experts like Simon Ortiz and Leslie Marmon Silko, on topics such as traditional crafts, music, and dance, as well as Native American language and culture, with support from organizations like the First Peoples Fund and the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation.

Music and Performance

The Gathering of Nations features a diverse range of music and performance, including traditional Native American music and dance, as well as contemporary styles, such as Native American hip hop and reggae, with performances by artists like A Tribe Called Red and Supaman. The event showcases the talents of Native American musicians, including R. Carlos Nakai, Joanne Shenandoah, and Buffy Sainte-Marie, who have been recognized by awards like the Grammy Award and the Native American Music Award. The Gathering of Nations also features traditional dance performances, including the Grass Dance, Fancy Dance, and Jingle Dress Dance, with participation from dancers from various tribes, including the Lakota and Ojibwe.

Cultural Significance

The Gathering of Nations is a significant cultural event that celebrates the diversity and richness of Native American culture, with recognition from institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress. The event provides a platform for Native American communities to share their traditions, music, and art, with support from organizations like the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund. The Gathering of Nations also promotes cross-cultural understanding and exchange, with participation from visitors from around the world, including Canada, Mexico, and Australia, and from international organizations like the United Nations and the International Indian Treaty Council. Additionally, the event supports the preservation of Native American languages and cultural practices, with contributions from scholars like Linguistic Society of America and the American Anthropological Association.

Organization and Impact

The Gathering of Nations is organized by a team of dedicated volunteers and staff, led by Derek Mathews, who work throughout the year to plan and coordinate the event, with support from organizations like the First Peoples Fund and the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. The event has a significant impact on the local economy, generating revenue for Albuquerque, New Mexico, and supporting local businesses, including those owned by Native American entrepreneurs, such as Native American-owned hotels and Native American-owned restaurants. The Gathering of Nations also provides a platform for Native American artists and performers to showcase their talents, with recognition from institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Native American Music Award. Furthermore, the event promotes cultural awareness and understanding, with participation from visitors from around the world, and from international organizations like the United Nations and the International Indian Treaty Council.

Category:Native American culture