Young Southern Ute tribal member Avaleena Nanaeto is a whirl of color during a dance at the University of New Mexico as part of the 30th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow, the largest in North America.
Grand entry at the Gathering of Nations draws dancers from across Indian Country.
Southern Ute tribal member Marquetta Howe and her daughter, Izabella, take part in the grand entry.
Yellow Jacket set up a new drum during the powwow.
Dancers enter the large arena under spotlights.
Yellow Jacket sings during the drum competition.
Color, sound weave Native American tapestry at Gathering of Nations
Little Miss Southern Ute Yllana Howe pauses for a portrait.
Intricate beadwork adorned the dresses and accessories that made up many dancers’ regalia.
Traditional-style dancers lead the grand entry at the Gathering of Nations powwow.
The regalia from various tribes displayed a wide variety of color and symbolism.
Brianna Goodtracks-Alires wears a beautifully adorned shell dress.
Dancers of all ages take part in the grand entry ceremony.
Miss Indian World contestants show off their regalia.
On Stage 49, dozens of indigenous bands performed in a variety of genres.
The indigenous rock band When Darkness Falls performs on Stage 49.
A variety of shows, including a demonstration of basketball tricks by J-Stylez, filled the schedule during the powwow.
Several younger participants step outside with traditional instruments to try capoeira, a Brazilian dance-fighting art.
A young dancer gathers his dance regalia high above the grand entry taking place on the arena floor.
Canadian leaves adorn a man's beaded regalia.
The gourd dance is especially well attended at the Gathering of Nations.
Southern Ute tribal member Andrew Frost (right) was one of many Southern Ute tribal members present for the gourd dance.
The powwow brought together members of more than 700 tribes from across North America.
A gourd dancer and veteran participates in the powwow.
Honored at the powwow were several Navajo code talkers, veterans of World War II.
A U.S. Army veteran leads a procession on the arena floor.
Participants from New York state ready themselves for the grand entry.
A bald eagle, strongly symbolic in Native American culture, spreads its wings before the crowd.
Young dancers make their way into the arena during intertribal dance.
Dancers use face paint to add color and symbolism to their regalia.
Avaleena Nanaeto was one of several who represented a younger Southern Ute generation at the Gathering of Nations. She also represents herself as royalty from the Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association.
A young attendee clings to her mother amid the excitement.
Intricate beadwork adorned the dresses and accessories that made up many dancers’ regalia.
Kansas K. Begaye of the Dine Nation was crowned Miss Indian World 2013 during the powwow.
Jessa Rae Growing Thunder passes on her title as Miss Indian World at this year's powwow.
Kansas K. Begaye of the Dine Nation waves at spectators following her crowning as Miss Indian World 2013.
A delicately arranged traditional bustle.