The last dance? Organizers of North America's largest powwow say 2026 will be the event's final year [View all]
Source: AP
Updated 6:13 PM EDT, August 16, 2025
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — For decades, tens of thousands of people have descended upon Albuquerque for what is billed as North America’s largest powwow, a celebration showcasing Indigenous dancers, musicians and artisans from around the world.
Organizers announced Saturday that 2026 will be the last time the cultural event is held, saying via email and social media that it will end after 43 years without providing details on the decision. “There comes a time,” Gathering of Nations Ltd. said in a statement.
The official poster for the 2026 event features the words “The Last Dance.” Organizers did not immediately respond to phone and email messages seeking comment. The New Mexico fairgrounds have hosted the powwow since 2017, but it’s unclear whether the venue would be available for future events given that the state is considering redeveloping the site.
There also has been criticism over the years by some Native Americans who said Gathering of Nations organizers were capitalizing on Indigenous culture. Organizers dismissed those claims, saying the money raised goes toward the expenses of putting on the event.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/gathering-of-nations-powwow-indigenous-native-american-f9d69ff3b3a62d08f7f2116aa5465c61
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