North America’s largest powwow packs EXPO NM
Friday - May 5, 2023 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum
Tingley Coliseum is filled with dancers, singers, and spectators on Saturday Night Live of the celebration. Dancers look to the announcers stand as Native comedian and actor Dallas Goldtooth takes the mic to welcome everyone to the 40th Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow. Each spring attendees from a multitude of Indigenous nations travel to Albuquerque to enjoy world class singing, dancing, food, and arts.
Cast members from the television series Reservation Dogs — currently filming the third season of the hit Hulu series — take a photo together with Southern Ute Tribal member Alysianna Baker, a.k.a. Ali B at Stage 49 during the Gathering of Nations powwow. Pictured, left to right, Xavier Bigpond as Weeze, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Bear Smallhill, Paulina Alexis as Willie Jack, and Jude Barnett as Bone Thug Dog.
Traditional Dancer, Nathan Fulton (Coeur D'Alene Tribe) puts on the final touches to his dance regalia ahead of Grand Entry during the 40th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow.
Hailing from the Ute Indian Tribe of northern Utah, Bart Pauwakee served as an MC for both days of the Horse Parade, one of the annual highlights at EXPO NM during the Gathering of Nations.
Championship grass dancer and Southern Ute elder, Marty Pinnecoose makes his way into the Grand Entry on Friday night in Tingly Coliseum.
Saturday evening, April 29, before a sold-out crowd of 4,000 plus attendees, Tori McConnell of the Yurok & Karuk Tribes of Northwestern California, was crowned Miss Indian World 2023 at the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M.
Shane Redhawk (Sicangu Lakota) served as the Grand Marshall for the annual horse parade on Saturday, April 29, during the 40th annual of the Gathering of Nations at EXPO New Mexico.
Traditional Dancer, Jerry Ford Jr. (Spokane Tribe) readies his regalia ahead of Grand Entry on Friday, April 28.
Little Miss Southern Ute, Alternate, Shayne White Thunder stands for a portrait under the Tingly Coliseum stage lighting, White Thunder attended the powwow both as an ambassador and as a dancer in the northern cloth traditional category.
In a splash of color and motion — fancy dancers make their way into the arena in Tingly Coliseum during the 40th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow.
Jr. Men’s Grass Dancer, Siksika Scabbyrobe dances during a Men’s Grass Special on Saturday, April 29 in Tingley Coliseum.
Jr. Men’s Southern fancy dancers eagerly pace back and forth awaiting their second contest song.
Women's smoke dancer, Logan Booth showcases her champion style during the “Seneka Locklear Smoke Dance Showcase” competition. This contest was held in memory of the late Seneka Locklear, sponsored by Verna Street, Aryien Stevens, Heath and Nicole Hill with singing provided by Regis Cook. Both went on to take first place in this honorary competition.
Southern Ute tribal member, Shayne White Thunder competes in the Junior Girls Traditional category on Saturday, April 29 during the 40th Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow. White Thunder went on to accumulate enough points to place fourth in her category, White Thunder also represented her title as Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate during the celebration.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU 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: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Pageantry and tradition came together in Albuquerque, N.M. for the 40th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow at EXPO New Mexico this past weekend, Friday April 28 — Saturday, April 29. Dancers, singers, and tribal royalty mingle in Tingly Coliseum for another weekend packed with powwow contests and cultural performances. Stage 49 hosted musical acts and guest appearances, while Indigenous horseback riders lined the avenue each afternoon for the annual Horse Parade.