by Caleb Fort
Daily Lobo
The Gathering of Nations Powwow helps American Indians maintain their cultural identity, said Maria Russell, who danced at the event.
"It's part of my culture and my heritage," she said. "There are so few of us left - although this event would make you believe otherwise - that it's important for us to all get together and keep our culture strong."
The event, now in its 23rd year, took place at The Pit on Friday and Saturday. More than 3,000 dancers and singers representing more than 500 tribes came to the event from all over the United States and Canada, according to the event's Web site.
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Tyson Carlston, who traveled from Arizona to attend the powwow, said he expects the event to have a long future. He said togetherness is the main theme of the event.
"We dance as one people at a time," he said.
Besides the cultural aspects of the event, such as drumming and dancing, the event is also socially important, Carlston said.
"We meet new friends and old," he said.
The event is not just good for American Indians, said Sasha Piper, a UNM student who went to the event.
"I just came because I was curious. I think we have such a huge Native population here, and it's something that I wanted to appreciate more," Piper said. "This is such a huge powwow - I thought it was a good place to start."
She said she was impressed with the dancers' costumes, which had bright colors, elaborate headpieces, sewn-on bells and feathers and intricate beadwork.
"It's badass," Piper said. "The costuming is gorgeous, and the drumming is amazing."
She is no stranger to experiencing other cultures, she said.
"I've done African drumming and dancing, so I know about this kind of stuff, but this is really impressive," Piper said.
Several vendors also set up inside The Pit and sold things like drums, dance costumes, arrowheads, silverwork and jewelry.
Dancers competed in several different categories, divided by age and gender.
Russell said dancing at the powwow came naturally to her.
"I dance because it's what I know," she said. "I dance because it feels good."
The powwow is a good way to get young American Indians interested in their heritage, she said.
"We get new dancers every year," Russell said. "That's really good, because it shows they have some pride in their culture."
She does not get to come every year because she lives in Montana, Russell said. However, she said she will definitely be back.
"It's a great way to meet people, and it's a great way to have fun," she said. "I try to come as often as I can."
