Gathering of Nations Pow Wow

This is a five star pow wow but it is not without its issues. There are some things I wanted to know before I went but couldn’t find so I hope this will help anyone who might travel to this for the first time in the future.
Bring cash, and lots of it.
First the parking. You pay $ 10 every time you park. You could easily rack up a chunk by leaving too often. It would have been nice to be able to purchase parking with in and out privileges.
Buy the tickets online so you can pick them up at will call. It will save you from a really long wait in line. If you are staying for several hours at a time over both days it would be worth purchasing a seat with a back on it. If not then bring a blanket. The benches are HARD. On Saturday come early or you wont have a seat. There are signs everywhere that say blankets can not be used to save seats but this is not enforced by arena staff so before the crowning of MIW there are no seats to be found that don’t have a blanket. We tried to look at the schedule and only stay for the parts we wanted to see but unfortunately the schedule is ever fluid so it changes by the minute. You want to see at least one of the four Grand Entries. The one Saturday is more formal with the presenting of the eagle and lots of ceremony. Saturday night is also the crowning of the new Miss Indian World. There is lots of talking and presentation by the tribe of the outgoing MIW. Of course the dancing is what most come for. It was incredible. Before you take a picture of a dancer in their regalia you must ask. Some do not want their pictures taken. Most will be more than happy to oblige but still you need to ask.
Stage 49 is a separate stage where there are musical performers. This year there was no one I particularly wanted to see but it is a nice change. They feature Native American artist from several genres. Everything is going on simultaneously so you have to choose what you are willing to miss.
There is a marketplace tent where you can buy hand crafted items. Many are cash only so don’t expect to use your credit card everywhere. If you like jewelry then this is the place for you. That is mostly what is for sale. Be very careful to ask where it was made because I picked up a piece that had a tag Made in China. What?! Don’t buy the first thing you see. Walk the whole place before you buy. But don’t wait too long or it could be gone. The tshirts for the event sell quickly so if you are a common size I would make that purchase immediately.
Since you are basically held hostage (remember the $ 10) there is a food corridor. They serve your typical fare burgers, corn dogs and then the traditional native fry bread and tacos. The prices are not too terribly inflated. They could have used about ten more tables to go with the three they had. We sat on the concrete to eat.
Overall this was a great experience and I would go again. I would be more prepared this time. Everyone that we met and talked with were so nice. I learned a lot since my husband is Native American.

Another great time at this annual event.
This time, I got to experience it at the newly remodeled/​updated indoor stadium, The Pit. It’s got a great, modern and clean look from the exterior and the interior is also nice and well-​appointed too.
This year, the Gathering seemed to have more people than ever and it was great to see. There were a ton of dancers, many vendors and great performers for this year’s event.
Whether you’re a local or tourist, the Gathering of Nations is an excellent event to visit and experience.

Preface, neither my wife or I are Native American, in fact we are Filipino. During a visit to the Smithsonian Museum of Native Americans in Washington DC, we saw a small video on the Gathering of Nations and decided we’d like to experience it. On returning home I reseached on the net and found it was being held in TWO WEEKS! Without hesitation we decided another get away was in order.
We bought online advance 2 day passes and they were worth the small premium in price. No waiting in long lines to buy tickets, in and out privileges (though the same isn’t honored by the UNM parking lots) were two good reasons to purchase.
The PowWow runs continously from 10am until past 12 midnight both days, you don’t have to spend the entire day. But make sure to see at least one (or more) of the «Grand Entrances», when 3000 plus dancers in full regalia enter the arena from the four corners of the world to celebrate «being indigenous». It’s an amazing experience.
A tip: Unless you buy «VIP» seating isn’t guaranteed. Attendees spread blankets over the bleachers to «save» their seats and it is tradition at a pow wow to honor that. But the Gathering of Nations is the biggest in America and this practice closed many seats for the entire day while some became discouraged, unable to find seating. By Saturday evening the announcers were advising people to remove the blankets and take the seats if no one was there.
We have visited smaller regional pow wows, but this one is special. The drums, the singing, the Honor dances, the competitions, the announcers joking and encouraging the people to let everything go and «dance your style», the PRIDE of Native Americans really shines at this gathering.

Have been attending the gathering for years, and for several reasons why I do. The first is the emotional feeling of walking into the pit and seeing thousands of native brothers and sisters from the 500+ nations that attend. The second is talking to and meeting people from other backgrounds and lifestyles of different tribes then realizing how much you have in common.
Third is well like they say trade, bargain, haggle, and buy things for friends and family who couldn’t make it. Connecting with vendors you’ve delt with in the past who might have that one thing that will complete your secret regalia for personal reasons or fill your collection.
Fourth is the competition in all dance styles, age groups and the singing competition and drum competition.
Fifth is the food. The delicious styles of fry bread, native taco’s, but most of all I miss the guy who made the buffalo burgers, native tea and lemonade. Let me not forget to mention the giant smoked turkey legs.
You won’t regret attending but be sure to bring someone along because this kind of experience should be shared. Check out
for more info.