A Gathering of Nations

The 31st annual Gathering of Nations is this weekend at the University Arena (The Pit) in Albuquerque. North America’s largest Indian powwow, it attracts Indian dancers from all over the U.S. and Canada.

I did a little photo essay after attending the Gathering in 2006.

They call them "fancy dancers" for a reason.
They call them “fancy dancers” for a reason.
Two generations of fancy dancers.
Two generations of fancy dancers.
Ready for the Grand Entry.
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).

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

A little something new among the traditional, a baseball cap tops one young man's colorful array.
A little something new among the traditional, a baseball cap tops one young man’s colorful array.
Everybody needs to look their best at the Gathering.
Everybody needs to look their best at the Gathering.
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).
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).