ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Black Eagle Singers pounded the drums for a traditional buffalo dance song that led the final grand entry in the last ever Gathering of Nations Powwow.
The Jemez Pueblo singers won a Grammy award in 2003 for their traditional northern style powwow songs that can hit fast and pounding beats for the dancers of all ages and styles. Their final song, led by the group’s founder Malcolm Yepa and performed near midnight on April 25, 2026 in front of a sold out arena, closed out the 43nd annual Gathering of Nations with a last dance deep in ceremonial history that pre-dates any powwow.
“That buffalo took care of every need that we had in our older days, food, shelter, tools, weapons, and also through ceremony,” Ruben Little Head (Northern Cheyenne) said as Buffalo Dancers marched to a calm drum beat. “Tonight we have the buffalo dancers to lead us out, to remind us we come from the buffalo people.”
It was a moment of solemn reverence that closed the chapter on a remarkable, and at times controversial landmark on the Powwow Highway.
For years, Gathering of Nations organizer Derek Matthews faced criticism that the powwow’s robust economy took more from the Native dancers, vendors and other participants than it ever gave back. Matthews, a Black man from Chicago co-founded the powwow with his wife, Dr. Lita Mathews a Santa Clara Pueblo woman. The two kept control over the Gathering through a non-profit organization, over time it brought millions of people to Albuquerque and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to the city from participants and tourists alike.
In his final remarks to the crowd, Derek Matthews thanked the community for their support and offered his perspective on what challenges he sees for Natives in the future.
“Preserving culture, language, sovereignty. I say sovereignty. Your sovereignty is under attack,” Matthews said. “Let that be known when you get home, stick with your community. Support your community, support the communities around you.You’ve got to get through this. It’s tough times. We appreciate you.”
During its run, the Gathering of Nations promoted and boosted powwow culture into the 21st century. Now, there are several powwows owned and operated by Native American tribes or entities that have outgrown the Gathering with sponsors and cultural capital.
Albuquerque might’ve had its last dance, but there is a long powwow road across Indian Country. In 2027, the powwow dates usually reserved for Gathering are now set for the Sycuan Powwow in El Cajon, California. Flyers for the event posted around Albuquerque said admission is free, which caught the interest for Mariah Williams, a self-described “midwestern white girl” that started attending powwows after COVID-lockdown.
“I love the culture and supporting Native vendors and performers,” she said while waiting in a 30-minute line to get inside the Gathering venue. “We spent $80 (total) for tickets, $15 to park and we each got a Navajo Taco and lemonade, so I probably spent close to $100 on food. I do like the idea of a free powwow. I would spend more money on other things.”
There is a free powwow in Albuquerque older than the Gathering of Nations. The University of New Mexico conducts a week-long series of events hosted by the Kiva Club, a Native American student group founded in 1952. As usual, it capped the week with the 67th Annual Nizhoni Days Powwow that was held on April 26, 2026. While organizers shared some concerns that the event could lose some participants that came to town for Gathering, it plans to carry on with the tradition in its own way.
People throughout the weekend consistently wondered if the university could revamp the Gathering under new leadership that could include the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico officials and tribal leadership. City officials said any new inter-tribal powwow would require tribal consultation from local stakeholders and those in the powwow arena from tribes outside New Mexico. It is unclear if there is any desire by stakeholders to initiate that conversation.
Back to Saturday Night Live at the final Gathering of Nations another remarkable program the powwow brought came to an end. Miss Indian World Dania Wahwasuck (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation/Pyramid Lake Paiute) gave her final speech from her reign as the cultural ambassador.
“I would like to thank all of the Bands of Potawatomis for supporting me throughout this journey. Me and my mom had really thought about and considered all the young girls who wanted to run for Miss Indian World,” Wahwasuck said. “However, you don’t need a title and a crown and a sash to advocate for what you believe in.”
She then removed her crown and sash. The items were taken to be retired, never to be worn again. Wahwasuck stood in the middle of the powwow circle as the final Miss Indian World. The competition is trademarked by the Gathering of Nations non-profit and will not resume with another powwow.
From the crowd, Aldin Yazzie responded that it was sad to see it end but he understands why it was time for the Gathering to move on. “You can only be rude to so many people for so long before it becomes too much,” they said in response to their experience as a vendor with powwow leadership.
The sentiment that the powwow’s cultural experience alleviated some negative interactions with leadership was shared in interviews Native News Online had with nearly two dozen current and former participants at Gathering.
After Yazzie’s remarks they got up from their seats to make one last round on the grounds. Yazzie returned beaming, excited to share the familiar faces they ran into, how the Platero Frybread and Navajo Taco stand gave Yazzie a free green chile cheeseburger and to discuss an invite to an after party with his cousin in a drum circle. One final moment that can only happen at the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque.
“I will miss it,” Yazzie said.
