Gathering of Nations ~ The Last Dance

Wednesday - April 29, 2026 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
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Outgoing Miss Indian World, Dania Wahwasuck (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation /Pyramid Lake Paiute), waves to spectators who lined the boulevard at EXPO New Mexico for the final Horse & Rider Parade.
Southern Ute tribal member, Leandra Litz following the Grand Entry at the 43rd, and final, Gathering of Nations Powwow. Litz is the current Miss NCI Sobriety Powwow Princess.
Pueblo Dancers from the Acoma Pueblo of New Mexico share their ceremonial dances in the plaza at EXPO New Mexico during the 43rd annual Gathering of Nations Powwow.
Southern Ute Council member and veteran Grass Dancer, Marty Pinnecoose, takes part in the inter-tribals, following Grand Entry on Saturday, April 25.
Conrad Medicine Rope of the Assiniboine Nakota Nation.
Ms. Indigenous San Juan College, Rhianna Carel makes her way into the Grand Entry alongside other royalty. Carel is a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and a student at SJC in Farmington, N.M.
The Emmy nominated duo, LiL Mike & Funny Bone perform at Stage 49 in Albuquerque, N.M. during the Gathering of Nations.
Percy Edwards of the Colville Confederated Tribes of Washington, a long-time participant at the Gathering of Nations powwow, makes his way into Tingly Coliseum for one last dance.
Dah-yiti-hi white (Coeur d Alene/ Diné) puts the finishing touches on her makeup ahead of Saturday’s Grand Entry in Tingly Coliseum.
United States Army Veteran, Bruce LeClaire dances into the Tingly Coliseum during Grand Entry on Friday, April 24.
1680 singers out of Taos, N.M. help to bring in the dancers inside Tingly for what was dubbed "The Last Dance."
Champion Fancy Dancer Tommy Draper shows off his moves at Tingly in the Golden Age Division.
The Horse & Rider Parade is one of the many highlights of the weekend and draws dozens of horses and riders in traditional Native regalia.
The Horse & Rider Parade is one of the many highlights of the weekend and draws dozens of horses and riders in traditional Native regalia.
Bringing awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), a hand painted horse was entered in the Horse & Rider Parade.
Bringing awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), a young woman stands with her hand painted horse in the Horse & Rider Parade, which took place at EXPO New Mexico.
Percy Edwards of the Colville Confederated Tribes of Washington, a long-time participant at the Gathering of Nations powwow, makes his way into Tingly Coliseum for one last dance.
Dania Wahwasuck is the last to hold the title of Miss Indian World, a ceremony was held Saturday evening, April 25, following Grand Entry, formally retiring the crown and sash.
Dania Wahwasuck is the last to hold the title of Miss Indian World, a ceremony was held Saturday evening, April 25, following Grand Entry, formally retiring the crown and sash.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
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EXPO New Mexico was packed with dancers, singers and spectators for what was dubbed “The Last Dance,” closing out a 43-year run for the Gathering of Nations Powwow, Friday, April 24 – Saturday, April 25. The title of Miss Indian World was also formally retired, with outgoing Miss Indian World, Dania Wahwasuck. Featuring a competition powwow, Stage 49 music venue and the Horse & Rider Parade, the annual event has earned recognition as North America’s largest powwow, drawing thousands to Albuquerque each year. 

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