The Gathering of Nations, North America's largest powwow, to end after a more than 40 year run

The Gathering of Nations, a celebration of Indigenous dancing, music and art from around the world in what has become North America's largest powwow, will end next year, organizers announced.Why it matters: The ending closes a chapter in Native American history that has been mentioned in movies and novels and brought hundreds of thousands to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for more than 40 years. Driving the news: Organizers announced on Saturday that the cultural event will conclude in 2026, marking its final edition. They shared the news via email and social media but did not explain the decision."After 43 incredible years of bringing together thousands of dancers, singers, artists, and visitors from around the world, this chapter will come to a close with one final celebration," organizers wrote on the event's Facebook page.Organizers didn't respond to Axios' request for comment. Zoom in: The annual event is one of the largest convenings of Indigenous people in the world, allowing artists and musicians to share their work.Competitions highlight work and many careers have been launched at the gathering. Yes, but: Organizers have faced criticism over the years for the high fee to set up booths and for rising ticket prices. The New Mexico fairgrounds, the event's current host, may face renovations soon under a state plan. Deshava Apachee, of Dulce, N.M., prepares for the Gathering of Nations in 2018 with his son, Noah, in Albuquerque, N.M. Photo: Russell Contreras/AxiosZoom out: The Gathering of Nations began in 1983 in a gym at what is now St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, later relocating to Expo New Mexico shortly thereafter.The event later moved to the University of New Mexico and is now held at the New Mexico fairgrounds, where the final gathering is scheduled for April 24-25, 2026.Over time, the Gathering of Nations evolved into one of North America's most celebrated powwows, gaining recognition across popular culture—from books to films. In the 1998 movie Smoke Signals, for instance, a character remarked that the event was such a powerful symbol of pan-Indian unity that, had it existed in 1492, it might have deterred Columbus from ever landing.Context: It's not the only large powwow in the U.S.Others include the Denver March in Colorado in March, Red Earth in Oklahoma City in March and Crow Fair in Montana in August.

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