THE GATHERING OF NATIONS (Powwow) will end April 24-25, 2026. It was once considered the largest powwow in the world. It is that way no more. The reason is because of Indian Casino powwows across the United States. They have grown considerably within the last decade. More money given out to contest drummers, singers and dancers. Some casinos give out brand new trucks and cars as prizes.
The controversy surrounding the "Gathering" has always been commercialization and exploitation of modern traditions. The powwow has been around since 1983 and it brought in tons of cash for Albuquerque. "The Final Dance" is the end title for this years, "Gathering." It will be no more after April 25, 2026.
No matter what you say. The "Gathering" has always been commercialized. The organization that runs the powwow has not given the public a reason for the end game. It is very clear that it has become too expensive to run and there is no net profit. Everything costs too much. I recall when a ticket for a single person used to be 7$ dollars. That was back in 1995. That price has blown up to $25 dollars in 2026. It's just way too much for me. I haven't attended in 5 years for that very reason.
Nonetheless.... The powwow community will attend and then move onto the next one. The "Gathering" always kicks off the powwow "trail" for those who compete all spring and summer. That includes drummers, singers and dancers. Is this the end of an era? No, because powwows come and go every year. It's just that the "Gathering" has been around this long which was once the largest powwow in the U.S.
