The 31st annual
Gathering of Nations kicks off tomorrow in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Festivities begin with the Miss Indian World pageant at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Thursday evening. Nearly two dozen young women, representing tribes from Alaska to Montana to Florida, will compete for the chance to represent GON.
“It’s been an amazing year,” Kansas Begaye, a member of the
Navajo Nation who was crowned Miss Indian World in 2013, told The Albuquerque Journal. “To think that this time last year, I was just a contestant with a dream. It has all gone by so fast.”
The powwow begins Friday. Thousands of dancers and drummers from the U.S. and Canada will showcase their traditions and skills over two days at The Pit.
There's also a contemporary aspect at Stage 49.
Charlie Ballard, a member of the
Sac and Fox Nation, will host a variety of musicians and performers over the weekend in his drag queen persona.
"I just plan on being as fun as I can and it's going come out however it does," Ballard told The East Bay Express. "The audiences are supportive."
The winner of Miss Indian World will be crowned Saturday night. The powwow concludes in the evening.
Get the Story:
Standing Up for Gay Comedians
(The East Bay Express 4/23)
Miss Indian World 2014: Changing Their Lives, Changing the World
(Indian Country Today 4/22)
Gathering of Nations planned April 24-26
(The Taos News 4/22)
One-on-one with Derek Mathews
(The Albuquerque Journal 4/21)
Bismarck Woman Competes For Miss Indian World
(KFYR 4/18)
Plummer woman seeks Miss Indian World title
(The Coeur d'Alene Press 4/18)
Powwow pride: The Gathering of Nations will showcase a pageant, the best of dancing & lots of music
(The Albuquerque Journal 4/18)
Crow tribe member to compete for Miss Indian World title
(KTVQ 4/17)
Leary Vies For Miss Indian World Crown
(Alaska Public Media 4/16)
Western NC woman to compete in national pageant
(The Asheville Citizen-Times 4/16)
Kara Martin to vie for Miss Indian World title
(The Cherokee One Feather 4/12)
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