Gathering of Nations (1983)
Native organizers launched the first Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque. It brought together dancers and drums from tribes across the United States and Canada in a contest-style format.
The first edition proved a large arena could host a contest powwow, a format that spread across the country.
The Gathering of Nations grew into the largest powwow in North America, drawing thousands of dancers and tens of thousands of visitors to Albuquerque each year.
The Urban Nations Powwow is also an inaugural event at a major venue, with host drums, contest categories, and cash prizes. It follows the same template that built the Gathering of Nations.
