Teaching diversity in a classroom is one thing, having the opportunity to experience it in your own backyard is something else entirely.
The Gathering of Nations is the largest powwow in North America, according to the event website, which boasts nearly 50 million visitors. Now, 27 years after they hosted the first event, Gathering of Nations founders Derek, Melonie and Lita Mathews are riding the wave of support.
“Through word-of-mouth is how this became so large. (We are talking) about the great event that it is,” Derek said. “Our family travels 30,000 miles a year to other
powwows and other events to spread the word and distribute information.”
This year’s Gathering of Nations began Thursday and continues through Saturday.
Derek said the first Gathering of Nations powwow was held at the University of Albuquerque, a Catholic college that closed in 1986.
The Gathering of Nations is a nonprofit organization that draws participants from all over the world and solicits performers from many ethnic backgrounds.
Mathews, whose educational background includes a Master of Arts in popular media and ethnic studies, said he encourages anyone and everyone to attend the event, which is at University Stadium this year.
Prize money is awarded to the winners in various competitive categories of traditional dancing and singing. The event also showcases live music and performance entertainment organized by Emergence Productions, a Native-American-run local production company, at Stage 49. The live music and performances include bands, poetry, hip-hop and traditional storytelling.
There is also an Indian Traders Market where participants can sample foods in the Native American food court, Mathews said.
Highlights from years past include a visit from former Vice President Al Gore and members of all pueblos dancing together as one for the second and third time in 500 years, Mathews said.
UNM students are active volunteers and play important roles in making this event successful year after year, Mathews said.
After the powwow, the Mathews family edits a CD from the event to sell at next year’s Gathering of Nations and begins preparations for the future event.
“It is a love of life and has become our life’s work to bring focus to the most positive aspects of Native American culture,” Mathews said. “We have the opportunity to do something in a very special way for other people.”
*For more information visit GatheringOfNations.com, or visit its office in Mesa Vista Hall. *
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