Gathering of Nations makes its return

Thursday - May 1, 2014 by Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum

This year’s Gathering of Nations joined a total of more than 4,000 competing dancers and singers while striving to be a positive cultural experience for everyone.

Visitors at the Gathering show some fun at a vendor's booth.

The Grand Entry draws thousands of dancers from all across Indian Country.

A dancer dances with her child during the Grand Entry ceremony.

The Grand Entry allows the one opportunity for all of the attending nations to come together for a full dance.

A dancer sporting a large headdress with complete apparel poses before the Grand Entry.

Jingle dress and fancy shawl are among the dances the many women performed during the dance competition.

A young dancer readies himself before heading into a dance competition.

A fancy dancer stays focused during a men's fancy dance.

The beauty of the traditional colors from the dancers dazzled the arena.

Traditional dancers showcase their best moves during a dance competition.

Jewelry, paintings, beadwork, and woodwork are just some of the many items available for purchase at the Gathering.

Amber Doughty flashes a smile inside The Pit arena before the opening grand entry ceremony.

Smokey Cruz from Sacramento, California poses for a photo. Cruz comes from the Yaqui Tribe.

Alex Alvarez from Ft. Hall, Idaho poses with her traditional apparel.

Numerous art pieces were set throughout the arena, attracting those with an eye for color. Artist: Sage Hagan from Bernalillo, New Mexico.

Attendees flock and gather around the Chichimeca Tribe's dance routine.

The Chichimeca Tribe brought their traditional dance routine to the Gathering as countless attendees flocked to their act.

The Chichimeca Tribe from Sacramento, California brought an array of colors for their dance routine.

Hungry? Attendees choose their meal from the many food stands featuring some famous fried goodness.

Hip-hop group Lil Mike and Funny Bone from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma give an energetic performance at Stage 49.

Tia-Blaise Billie from the Seminole Tribe in Florida glows in her traditional clothing.

The arena roars with applause as the American bald eagle is raised high for everyone to see.

The Miss Indian World Pageant showcases many talents including traditional dances, singing, and storytelling.

Kansas Begaye, former Miss Indian World, waves to the applauding crowd during the Grand Entry.

A group of young dancers wait along the steps as the Grand Entry ceremony is about to take place.

Traditional imagery and colorful regalia filled the arena from top to bottom while drum beats and chants shrouded the airwaves.

Many tribes sport various forms of regalia in honor of their traditions and heritage.

High energy graces the arena during the Grand Entry.

A young dancer twirls with the sounds of drum beats stretching throughout the arena.

Cody Jansen gives a glowing smile while waving to a welcoming crowd.

A young royalty representative poses with her assortment of jewelry.

Southern Ute Tribal member, Brianna Goodtracks-Alires, dances during the Grand Entry ceremony.

The Pit holds the Gathering of Nations every year and always brings a large attendance from visitors around the world.

A young vendor smiles while selling jewelry to buyers.

Dennis Francis and Brenda McEwing reflect their vivid colors off each other.

A young attendee smiles during a performance by one of Stage 49's musical groups.

The Chichimeca Tribe offers attendees to join them during their traditional friendship dance.

Live music, stand-up comedy acts, and routines performed by various tribes provided a diverse experience for everyone.

Former Miss Indian World, Kansas Begaye (left) and Cody Jansen share a smile together during the Miss Indian World Pageant.

A young Miss Indian World performer waits patiently onstage as her partner addresses the audience.

Many tribes from all over the world come to the Gathering to show their origins and traditions.

Drum group, The Horses, poses for a photo before the start of the Grand Entry.

Photo Credit: Damon Toledo | The Southern Ute Drum

The nations largest celebrated powwow made its return to the southwest for its 31st year. The Gathering of Nations arrived in Albuquerque from April 24-26 at the packed Pit arena and featured thousands of Native American dancers and singers competing for the crowd’s entertainment. The Southern Ute Indian tribe was one of 700-plus tribes representing.

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