Facebook Twitter Email
APRIL 27, 2001

They gazed into the doors of the Hiland Theatre in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but they weren't getting in.

Arriving late to the Miss Indian World contest on Thursday night, a small, but dedicated group of onlookers found themselves shut out of the opening event to the 18th annual Gathering of Nations pow-wow.

The reason was simple. Miss Indian World was all sold out.

But for a couple of hours last night, the theatre was the place to be, whether one made it inside the doors or not. For those who did make it in, they watched as 24 young American Indian and Alaska Native women representing tribes throughout the nation competed for the Miss Indian World crown.

Based on how each woman represents her tribal culture and heritage, the event doesn't carry the scandalous tone currently running through the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.

And -- some would say to its credit -- the show didn't feature a performance by Latin heartthrob Ricky Martin. Instead were songs, ceremonies, and presentations by the women who hope to be Indian Country's ambassador for the next year.

Along with host Irene Bedard, of Smoke Signals fame, and the harmonies of Ulali, the event kicked off to what appears to be a successful start to the Gathering of Nations. Riding on the scandals and successes of this year's GRAMMY awards show, the pow-wow gets into full swing today at The Pit, Albuquerque's beloved basketball arena.

For two whole days, thousands of dancers will descend on The Pit in a show of strength and showmanship. There'll be Northern-style dancing, Southern-style dancing, fancy dancing, shawl dancing, and even more dancing all weekend as spectators line up to watch the festivities and cruise the arena to meet up with friends and family from every corner of America.

This year's pow-wow will feature a private ceremony for the drum groups and pow-wow organizer who helped make the Gathering of Nations soundtrack a GRAMMY success. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) will present special certificates to the groups and Herman Begay, who weren't able to take home the award for "Best Native American Music Album."

The award went to producers Tom Bee and Douglas Spotted Eagle, as is GRAMMY tradition. NARAS representatives will also be on hand during the pow-wow to talk to Native artists about expanding opportunities in the music field.

Some of Indian Country's most popular music groups will also take the stage. Robert Mirabal, Clan/destine, and Star Nayea will be performing sets during the weekend.

But don't count on President George W. Bush to make a surprise visit. Last year, former Vice-President and then Presidential candidate Al Gore stopped by for a quick meet and greet late one night.

The new Miss Indian World will be announced on Saturday with a special ceremony to honor the outgoing one, Lillian "Cepa" Sparks.

Relevant Links:
Gathering of Nations - http://www.gatheringofnations.com

Related Storie:
Gathering of Nations cuts ties to SOAR (3/5)
Bee says 'chill out' on GRAMMYs (3/1)
Gathering of Nations wins first Native GRAMMY (2/22)
Gathering grabs spotlight (5/1)