The Gathering of Nations powwow is taking place in Albuquerque this weekend, and it’s the final year, marking both a cultural milestone and an economic impact for the city.Officials say the event is expected to draw the largest crowd yet, with tickets selling quickly and vendor spots selling out faster than anticipated. The city estimates 100,000 to 150,000 people attended last year and expects even more for this final gathering.James Edwards, with the Gathering of Nations, said the atmosphere is a defining part of the event.”That’s the next thing people notice, is when they get here, their energy just goes through the roof. and the more people get in here, you can feel it in here,” Edwards said.Edwards said the event carries a deeper meaning beyond its scale.”It’s always been a spirit-driven event and bringing people together in such a venue and being celebrated how we feel indigenous culture can be celebrated on a big stage in a big way,” Edwards said. When asked about why this is the final year, Edwards reflected on timing.”Sometimes with this, the spirit tells you when to stop also, not just to start something,” Edwards said.The event generated about $28 million, according to Edwards. City officials say the impact of the event extends across Albuquerque, especially for small businesses.Brandi Ahmie, Office of Native American Affairs liaison, said there are concerns about what the loss of the event could mean.”The worry that I have is what does that look like for the restaurant business and those that come as vendors that are selling goods. Economically, I would say that the biggest impact is going to be our small businesses,” Ahmie said.The city says hotels across the area typically see about a 20 percent boost in business during the event.Local business owners say the weekend brings a dependable surge in customers. Waled Azizeh, co-owner of Indian Treasures, said the event is one of the busier weekends of the year.”It’s a ‘better than the average’ weekend. We wait for it,” Azizeh said. “We have a lot of repeat customers that come in from the gathering of the nations that come down and just to see us and shop with us.”He said the uncertainty around the event’s future is something many in the community are thinking about.”Hopefully, it comes back. What could we do?” Azizeh said.City officials say that while this is the final scheduled year, conversations about a possible future replacement event are still in early stages. The general manager of Expo New Mexico said some inquiries have been made about continuing a similar event, but nothing has been serious.
The Gathering of Nations powwow is taking place in Albuquerque this weekend, and it’s the final year, marking both a cultural milestone and an economic impact for the city.
Officials say the event is expected to draw the largest crowd yet, with tickets selling quickly and vendor spots selling out faster than anticipated. The city estimates 100,000 to 150,000 people attended last year and expects even more for this final gathering.
James Edwards, with the Gathering of Nations, said the atmosphere is a defining part of the event.
“That’s the next thing people notice, is when they get here, their energy just goes through the roof. and the more people get in here, you can feel it in here,” Edwards said.
Edwards said the event carries a deeper meaning beyond its scale.
“It’s always been a spirit-driven event and bringing people together in such a venue and being celebrated how we feel indigenous culture can be celebrated on a big stage in a big way,” Edwards said.
When asked about why this is the final year, Edwards reflected on timing.
“Sometimes with this, the spirit tells you when to stop also, not just to start something,” Edwards said.
The event generated about $28 million, according to Edwards. City officials say the impact of the event extends across Albuquerque, especially for small businesses.
Brandi Ahmie, Office of Native American Affairs liaison, said there are concerns about what the loss of the event could mean.
“The worry that I have is what does that look like for the restaurant business and those that come as vendors that are selling goods. Economically, I would say that the biggest impact is going to be our small businesses,” Ahmie said.
The city says hotels across the area typically see about a 20 percent boost in business during the event.
Local business owners say the weekend brings a dependable surge in customers. Waled Azizeh, co-owner of Indian Treasures, said the event is one of the busier weekends of the year.
“It’s a ‘better than the average’ weekend. We wait for it,” Azizeh said. “We have a lot of repeat customers that come in from the gathering of the nations that come down and just to see us and shop with us.”
He said the uncertainty around the event’s future is something many in the community are thinking about.
“Hopefully, it comes back. What could we do?” Azizeh said.
City officials say that while this is the final scheduled year, conversations about a possible future replacement event are still in early stages. The general manager of Expo New Mexico said some inquiries have been made about continuing a similar event, but nothing has been serious.
