The 2022 Gathering of Nations is the largest powwow in North America. Absent for two years due to the pandemic, this year’s Gathering was much needed for many. Chaske LaBlanc, 67, traveled from South Dakota, where his tribe, the Lower Sioux Minnesota resides. LaBlanc has danced one of the powwow’s most popular categories, Men’s Northern Traditional, since he was 3 years old. “It’s military and powwow manner to make friends and trade stories,” said Larry Naakai Etsitty, 68, Navajo, (left). During Friday night’s gourd dance, Ben Graywolf, 69, Dino Taino, (right), and Etsitty set up camp beside each other and traded stories about their time in the U.S. Army. Coming from Southern Florida, Graywolf said he relied on Etistty to show him Albuquerque’s best restaurants and historic downtown. “My parents put me in Northern Fancy Dance ever since I could walk,” said Sam Tsosie, 55, Peneloton/Navajo, (right). “I did the same to my kids and now we’re dancing in the biggest powwow!” Blaine Shebala, 46, (left), met Tsosie during dance practice and shared stories about his teenage years on the Mandan Arikara reservation in North Dakota.“The Gathering of Nations is my family’s first powwow this summer,” said Peyton Moses, 11, Navajo/Hopi/Dakota. The family plans to travel to six more. Moses, who entred the Junior Girls Jingle Dress category, said powwow keeps her healthy and content.Like his sister Peyton Moses, Ryder Moses, 8, Navajo/Hopi/Dakota, began to dance not too long ago. “It’s fun dancing with other kids like me!” he said. Catching their breath after Grand Entry, new friends Jolie LaBlanc, 7, Lower Sioux Minnesota, (left), Ne’naya Jack, 9, Sioux, (middle), Kianna Brown, 9, Cree, (right), shared some candy. Although they dance three different categories of dance, LaBlanc, Jack and Brown shared a moment of exhaustion and elation. “I’m glad I made new friends,” Jack said. “I can’t wait to see them next year.”“Powwow has always been a part of my life,” said William KD, 20, from the Fallon Paiute Shoshone tribe in Nevada. “I won’t even stop when I’m a grandpa!” KD said that indigenous youth who can’t or won’t dance powwow should at least watch and cheer for the dancers.
