The World's Largest Gathering of Nations Celebrates 30 Years of Native American and Indigenous Cultures

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gathering of Nations, the world's largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in Albuquerque, N.M. between April 25 and 27, 2013.  Considered the most prominent powwow in North America, it will host tens of thousands of people and more than 700 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world honoring three decades of Native American culture and traditions.

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The three-day event includes more than 3,000 traditional Native American singers and dancers, more than 800 Native American artisans, dozens of indigenous contemporary musicians and performers, and a wide variety of food vendors.  A young Native American woman is also crowned Miss Indian World.  Native American and indigenous women representing different tribes and traditions compete in the areas of tribal knowledge, dancing ability, and personality assessment. 

The first Gathering of Nations was held in 1983 at the former University of Albuquerque.  In 1984, the powwow was relocated to the New Mexico State Fair Grounds and eventually moved to its current location, the University of New Mexico Arena (known as "The Pit"), in 1986.  Throughout the years, it grew to become the largest Native American powwow in North America, but still honors its original intent of offering a powwow contest that is fair to all dancers. 

The Gathering of Nations is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the release of a new book, "30 Years of Gathering: Gathering of Nations Powwow," and the launch of Gathering of Nations Internet Radio on the iHeartRadio network.

The 30th Annual Gathering of Nations begins on April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel – Albuquerque with the Miss Indian World competition.  The powwow kicks off at "The Pit" with the "Grand Entry" at 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, April 26, and repeated Friday evening at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, at 12 p.m. (noon) and 6 p.m.  The new Miss Indian World will be crowned on Saturday evening during the powwow.

Powwow tickets cost $17 per day, $34 for a two day pass, or $50 for a two day pass with VIP seating.  For more information, visit www.gatheringofnations.com.

SOURCE Gathering of Nations