A Gathering of Nations

The Gathering of Nations is North America’s largest Indian powwow. Held annually at the University Arena (The Pit) in Albuquerque, it attracts Indian dancers from all over the U.S. and Canada.

Fancy Swirl

They call them “fancy dancers” for a reason.

Two Generations

Two generations of fancy dancers.

Gathering Wolf

Ready for the Grand Entry.

Just before the Grand Entry a bald eagle is carried around the arena floor, faced in each of the four directions, its hood removed and its wings spread. Magnificent (but hard to photograph well from my vantage point).

Grand Entry Leader

When the Eagle Staff enters the arena to begin the Grand Entry, everyone stands.

Gathering Color

Gathering Color

Gathering Color

The Grand Entry is without a doubt the single most colorful event NewMexiKen has ever seen.

Gathering Color

A little something new among the traditional, a baseball cap tops one young man’s colorful array.

Gathering Girls

Everybody needs to look their best at the Gathering.

Gathering Pendletons

Vendors of Indian arts occupy a large tent outside the arena. And no Gathering of Nations would be complete without a gathering of Pendletons (in this case a rack of vests for sale).

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