Gathering of Nations to Crown Miss Indian World
The gathering of Native American and indigenous people will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2014 in Albuquerque, N.M.
The 31st Annual Gathering of Nations, considered the most prominent Native American powwow in the North America, will host more than 700 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world.
The three-day event will include more than 3,000 traditional Native American singers and dancers competing, and more than 800 Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders displaying and selling their work.
In addition, more than 25 contemporary indigenous bands will be performing a wide variety of musical genres. Vendors in the Native Food Court will offer guests a large selection of food choices ranging between southwestern-style cuisine and traditional Native American fare.
As part of the Gathering of Nations, a young Native American woman will be crowned Miss Indian World and represent all native and indigenous people as a cultural goodwill ambassador.
The contestants will compete in the areas of tribal knowledge through interviews, essays, public speaking and traditional presentation, and dance.
The Gathering of Nations opens with the Miss Indian World competition on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
The “Grand Entry” begins at noon on Friday, April 25. The Grand Entry will be repeated Friday evening at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, at 12 p.m. (noon) and 6 p.m.
The new Miss Indian World will be crowned on Saturday evening, after the Grand Entry. The Gathering of Nations will be held at the University of New Mexico’s University Arena (known as “The Pit”) in Albuquerque.
The Gathering of Nations will also honor LaDonna Harris, founder and president of Americans for Indian Opportunity and adoptive Comanche mother of Actor Johnny Depp, for her lifelong contributions as a national leader, statesmen, social activist, and advocate for tribal America.
