Gathering of Nations to end in 2026 after 43 years

ALBUQUERQUE — After 43 years, North America’s largest powwow, Gathering of Nations, will come to a close.

On August 16, Gathering organizers took to social media to announce next April would be the “final dance.” The powwow, held in Albuquerque, brings in hundreds of thousands of attendees and dancers every year.

“For now, the only comment from The Gathering of Nations Limited is ‘THERE COMES A TIME,’” organizers said in a press release. “For now, the time is to celebrate 43 years of GON.”

The celebration featured an array of categories showcasing dance styles from across North America like the eastern-woodlands Smoke Dance. It also was the home for Miss Indian World, the largest powwow royalty pageant in North America.

While it’s been touted as one of the premiere powwows in North America, recent years have brought plenty of controversy.

In 2024, Gathering of Nations lead organizer Derek Matthews went viral after giving a speech in which he held a mirror up to the audience and gave a 12-minute speech discussing criticism regarding costs of attendance, dancer registration fees, and the fact that Matthews is non-Native.

“This is no scheme, this is no grand idea. … It was all for the people, for everyone,” Matthews said. “What is your problem? Look in the mirror, look in the mirror and you’ll find it. That’s all I have to say.”

While Matthews is non-Native, his wife and co-founder Lila Matthews is Santa Clara Pueblo.

Matthews’s speech was met with outrage, with many online calling for a boycott of Gathering of Nations.

The final celebration will be held April 24-25, 2026, at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque.

The post Gathering of Nations to end in 2026 after 43 years first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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