Participants at the 33rd annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo from Gathering of Nations Ltd / Facebook

The University of New Mexico will no longer host the popular Gathering of Nations powwow.

The costs of hosting the event at a stadium on campus became too great, the university said in a statement. The decision came just four days after the conclusion of the 33rd annual powwow and as the school faces fire for a seal that excludes Native people.

“The PowWow has a rich tradition that UNM has shared for more than 30 years,” UNM executive vice president David Harris said in a press release. “We understand that other venues, such as Expo New Mexico have expressed an interest in hosting future events, and we offer our support in helping make the transition to a new site.”

Mayor Richard Berry said he will work with powwow organizers to find a new venue. The city estimates the economic impact from the event to be $20 million.

“I have every reason to believe we will find a way to keep this great event here in our city, and at this point I don’t have any information they are leaving," Berry told The Albuquerque Journal.

This year's event drew more than 100,000 people to Albuquerque. About 3,000 dancers, drummers and singers took part.

Get the Story:
UNM says it will no longer host Gathering of Nations (The Albuquerque Journal 5/5)
UNM will no longer host Gathering of Nations (KRQE 5/5)
Gathering of Nations will no longer be held at The Pit (KOB 5/4)

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