ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The World’s Largest Pow Wow is staying in Albuquerque New Mexico. Today, Governor Susana Martinez and Gathering of Nations Founder Derek Mathews announced an agreement to ensure that North America’s largest powwow remains in New Mexico for years to come. With the agreement, the Gathering of Nations will be held at Tingley Coliseum and the New Mexico State Fairgrounds for the next four years, with an option for an additional four years.
The Gathering of Nations hosts more than 700 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world. The three-day event includes 3,000 traditional Native American singers and dancers; artisans, craftsmen and traders; and contemporary indigenous music groups. During the powwow, a young Native American woman is crowned Miss Indian World.
“I’m proud to announce that the Gathering of Nations isn’t going anywhere – it’s staying right here in Albuquerque,” Governor Martinez said. “I’m pleased that our state will continue to host this event, which will now have its home at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. The Gathering of Nations is part of what it means to be New Mexico True, and I’m grateful that we will continue to showcase the best our state has to offer – both to the rest of the country and the world.”
“Gathering of Nations is an incredibly important event for Albuquerque, both culturally and economically. It brings together diverse communities from around the world to celebrate Native American and indigenous cultures,” said Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry. “I am thrilled to have worked with the Mathews family and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce to facilitate a long-term plan to keep the Gathering of Nations event right here in Albuquerque.”
“In working with the Mathews family over the last several weeks, it has been our privilege to forge a partnership to provide exceptional facilities which meet the needs of this incredible, culturally significant event. As the only true multi-purpose events center in the state, whose mission is deeply rooted in New Mexico’s unique history and diversity of people, we provide the perfect canvas to build on an already first class event,” added EXPO New Mexico General Manager Dan Mourning.
The 34th Annual Gathering of Nations will be held at Tingley Coliseum at EXPO New Mexico from April 27 to 29, 2017.
