Jamon Paskemin from Sweetgrass First Nation has been selected as the Head Man Dancer for the 34th annual Gathering of Nations, the world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people.
The Gathering of Nations, considered the most prominent Native American powwow in North America, will host tens of thousands of people and more than 700 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world celebrating their culture and traditions through traditional Native American dance, music, arts, crafts and cuisine.
The powwow will take place on Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29 at its new location at Expo New Mexico/Tingley Coliseum.
The Head Man and Head Lady Dancers are chosen to represent all dancers at the powwow. They are selected for the position based on their knowledge of traditions, their outstanding dancing experience and notoriety on the powwow circuit. The head dancers will lead the Grand Entry of all dancers into the arena during the powwow.
Head Young Man and Young Lady Dancers have much the same responsibility As Head Man And Lady Dancers. They have been dancing since they were infants and serve as role models for other young dancers in the competitions.
“The Gathering of Nations is proud to announce Jamon Paskemin as this year’s Head Man Dancer,” said Derek Mathews, founder of the Gathering of Nations.
“The head dancers are role models for their tribes and the Gathering of Nations, and serve as educators of Native American culture.”
The Gathering of Nations event will include more than 3,000 traditional Native American dancers and 50 drum groups competing, and more than 800 Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders displaying and selling their work. In addition, contemporary indigenous music groups will be performing a wide variety of musical genres on Stage 49. Vendors in the Native Food Court will offer guests a large selection of food choices ranging between southwestern-style cuisine and traditional Native American fare.
Tickets for the 2017 Gathering of Nations range in price between $18 and $73 (plus online fees) and can be purchased online in advance of the event at www.gatheringofnations.com/tickets.aspx. Tickets are always available at the door during the event. General parking is available at Expo New Mexico.
