No Result
View All Result
Sunday, August 17, 2025
  • Login
NEWSLETTER
JOURNOS NEWS
26 °c
Manila
29 ° Mon
29 ° Tue
  • Home
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Technology
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Health
  • Home
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Technology
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Health
26 °c
Manila
29 ° Mon
29 ° Tue
No Result
View All Result
JOURNOS NEWS
No Result
View All Result
Home Lifestyle Arts & Culture

Gathering of Nations Powwow to Host Final Celebration in 2026 After Four Decades

North America’s largest powwow will come to an end, marking the close of a 43-year cultural tradition in Albuquerque.

by The Daily Desk
August 17, 2025
in Arts & Culture, Culture & Heritage, Indigenous Traditions, Lifestyle
0
North America’s Largest Powwow, the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, Will Conclude in 2026 After 43 Years of Celebrating Indigenous Heritage - AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales, File

Organizers Confirm Gathering of Nations Powwow Will End in 2026, Closing a Landmark Event Celebrating Native American Dance and Indigenous Culture - AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales, File

Gathering of Nations Powwow to End in 2026 After 43 Years, Organizers Announce Final Celebration of North America’s Largest Indigenous Event

Published Time: 08-17-2025, 18:10

For more than 40 years, Albuquerque has been home to the Gathering of Nations Powwow, an annual celebration of Indigenous cultures that draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators from across the globe. Organizers announced this weekend that the 2026 event will be the last, signaling the end of a landmark tradition in Native American cultural expression.

Organizers Announce “The Last Dance”

In a statement released by Gathering of Nations Ltd., organizers confirmed that the powwow will conclude after its 43rd year. While no detailed explanation was provided, the 2026 event has already been branded with the words “The Last Dance” on its official promotional poster.

“There comes a time,” the organization said in its announcement, posted via email and social media.

Organizers did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment regarding the decision.

A Cultural Landmark in Albuquerque

First launched in the early 1980s, the Gathering of Nations has grown into the largest powwow in North America, attracting Indigenous dancers, musicians, artisans, and community leaders from dozens of tribal nations, as well as international participants.

The event has been hosted at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds since 2017, though its future at the venue was uncertain even before the announcement, as state officials consider redevelopment plans for the site.

Each spring, the powwow transforms Albuquerque into a hub of Indigenous art and performance, drawing an audience that includes Native communities, tourists, and cultural scholars alike.

A Blend of Tradition and Commercialization

Large-scale powwows such as Gathering of Nations provide a public stage for Native traditions but have also sparked ongoing debate. Some Indigenous leaders and community members have voiced concerns that the event had become overly commercialized, with prize money for drumming and dancing competitions.

Critics argued that the powwow blurred the line between sacred traditions and entertainment. Organizers have consistently defended the event, stating that revenues go directly toward covering operational expenses and ensuring the continuation of cultural showcases.

At the same time, many Native communities have worked to sustain smaller, community-centered powwows, which they view as more rooted in traditional practices and tribal identity.

Highlights of the Gathering of Nations

One of the powwow’s most iconic moments is the Grand Entry, a spectacular procession in which dancers in colorful regalia spiral into the arena to the sound of pounding drums. Outfits often feature elaborate beadwork, feathers, and bells, reflecting deep cultural meaning and craftsmanship.

Other key elements of the powwow include:

More RelatedPosts

Sorority Recruitment Faces Social Media Backlash as RushTok Sparks Restrictions

Taylor Swift Embarks on Her Glittering Showgirl Era With Dazzling New Album

Phil and Penny Knight Pledge $2 Billion to Oregon Cancer Institute, Largest Gift in U.S. University History

Willy Chavarria Apologizes Over Adidas Sandal Design Accused of Cultural Appropriation

Load More
  • Miss Indian World Pageant: A cultural ambassador competition that crowns a representative to promote Indigenous traditions worldwide.
  • Horse Parades: Riders are judged on regalia, beadwork, feathered headdresses, and horsemanship.
  • Marketplace & Artisans: Indigenous artists and vendors share traditional crafts, jewelry, and clothing with visitors from around the world.

These traditions have made the Gathering of Nations both a cultural cornerstone and a tourist draw for Albuquerque, contributing to the local economy each year.

Mixed Reactions to the Announcement

The decision to bring the powwow to a close has prompted reflection among Indigenous communities and long-time attendees. For many, the event symbolized unity, resilience, and pride in cultural heritage.

While some community voices celebrated the decades-long platform the powwow provided, others viewed its end as an opportunity to refocus attention on local, tribal powwows that prioritize cultural preservation over large-scale spectacle.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the final Gathering of Nations scheduled for 2026, organizers are expected to plan a closing celebration that honors the legacy of the event. Many anticipate a record turnout as dancers, drummers, and visitors from around the world travel to Albuquerque for what may be their last chance to take part.

Whether the end of Gathering of Nations will shift focus toward smaller, community-based celebrations or inspire new cultural platforms remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the powwow has left an indelible mark on Native American cultural visibility and intercultural exchange across North America.

Source: AP News – The last dance? Organizers of North America’s largest powwow say 2026 will be the event’s final year

The Daily Desk

The Daily Desk

J News is a freelance editor and contributor at The Daily Desk, focusing on politics, media, and the shifting dynamics of public discourse. With a decade of experience in digital journalism, Jordan brings clarity and precision to every story.

Related Posts

RushTok Backlash: Why Alabama Sororities Are Banning Social Media Posts During Recruitment to Protect Prospective Members - AP Photo/Brynn Anderson
Culture & Society

Sorority Recruitment Faces Social Media Backlash as RushTok Sparks Restrictions

August 17, 2025
With The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift embraces Las Vegas-inspired costumes and explores the balance of spectacle, solitude, and storytelling. - Republic Records/CNN
Fashion & Beauty

Taylor Swift Embarks on Her Glittering Showgirl Era With Dazzling New Album

August 16, 2025
Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight and Wife Donate $2 Billion to Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU, Boosting Cancer Research - AP Photo/Ryan Kang, File
Lifestyle

Phil and Penny Knight Pledge $2 Billion to Oregon Cancer Institute, Largest Gift in U.S. University History

August 15, 2025
Adidas and Designer Willy Chavarria Issue Apologies Over Sandal Design Criticized for Copying Zapotec Huarache Style Without Consent - AP Photo/Luis Alberto Cruz
Arts & Culture

Willy Chavarria Apologizes Over Adidas Sandal Design Accused of Cultural Appropriation

August 13, 2025
How to stop wasps from ruining your picnic: Practical tips to manage wasp behavior and protect your outdoor dining experience this summer and beyond. - Getty Images/BBC
EDITORS PICK

How to Keep Hungry Wasps from Ruining Your Summer Picnic

August 12, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Engagement Ring for Georgina Rodriguez Estimated at Up to $5 Million, Jewelry Experts Share Insights - Credit : Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Georgina Rodriguez/Instagram
Fashion & Jewelry

Georgina Rodriguez’s Engagement Ring from Cristiano Ronaldo Estimated at Up to $5 Million

August 12, 2025
Inside Larry Sultan’s “The Valley”: Capturing the Suburban Homes of California’s Adult Film Industry - Larry Sultan/Courtesy Yancey Richardson Gallery/Casemore Gallery/Estate of Larry Sultan
Arts & Culture

Life Imitates Fantasy in Larry Sultan’s Photographs of Suburban Porn Sets

August 9, 2025
Exploring Chongqing: China’s Multi-Level Metropolis of Lights and Layers - Sky_Blue/iStock Unreleased/Getty Images
Lifestyle

Chongqing: China’s Futuristic ‘8D’ City Captivating Global Travelers

August 6, 2025
Why Travelers and TikTok Can’t Get Enough of Jet2 Holidays - Geoff Robinson/Shutterstock
Lifestyle

hy Jet2 Holidays Has Become the Internet’s Favorite Travel Obsession

August 4, 2025
Load More
Next Post
RushTok Backlash: Why Alabama Sororities Are Banning Social Media Posts During Recruitment to Protect Prospective Members - AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Sorority Recruitment Faces Social Media Backlash as RushTok Sparks Restrictions

Pope Leo XIV Marks End of Summer Retreat With Mass and Lunch for Homeless at Vatican’s Castel Gandolfo Villa, Emphasizing Shared Humanity - AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Pope Leo XIV Hosts Mass and Lunch for Homeless at Papal Summer Villa

West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio Send National Guard Troops to DC Backing Trump’s Federal Police Takeover Initiative - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

GOP Governors Send National Guard Troops to Washington as Trump Expands Federal Police Authority

U.S. and Europe Clash Over UNIFIL Mandate in Lebanon as Trump Administration Pushes Withdrawal While Allies Warn of Security Risks - AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatri, File

U.S. Push to End UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon Faces Strong European Resistance

Serbia Faces Widespread Unrest as Protests Against President Vučić Turn Violent, With Party Offices Set on Fire and Dozens Arrested - AP Video shot by Marko Drobnjakovic

Serbia Protests Escalate as Clashes With Police Intensify Across Multiple Cities

Popular News

  • Audiophiles Reveal the 15 Most Played Test Albums of 2025 That Have Become Overused in Hi-Fi Demonstrations and Audio Gear Showrooms- Headphonesty

    15 Audiophile Test Albums That Experts Say Are Overplayed in 2025

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Serbia Protests Escalate as Clashes With Police Intensify Across Multiple Cities

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • U.S. Push to End UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon Faces Strong European Resistance

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • GOP Governors Send National Guard Troops to Washington as Trump Expands Federal Police Authority

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Pope Leo XIV Hosts Mass and Lunch for Homeless at Papal Summer Villa

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recommended

Texans Dominate Cowboys 34-10: Key Moments from Monday Night Football

Texans Dominate Cowboys 34-10: Key Moments from Monday Night Football

9 months ago
SACDs Explained: The Forgotten Format Making a Big Return - Headpnoensty

Why Audiophiles Say SACDs Sound Better Than CDs and Vinyl

1 month ago

Connect with us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Settings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Support Press Freedom
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Advertising
  • Online Shopping
Breaking News That Keeps You Ahead.

Copyright © 2024 JournosNews.com All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Technology
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Health

Copyright © 2024 JournosNews.com All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.