Nation’s largest powwow drew 150,000 attendees

The Gathering of Nations drew 150,000 attendees in April, despite the down economy.
The event, held in Albuquerque, is the largest gathering in the U.S. of American Indian and indigenous people. It brought between $20 million and $30 million in revenue to the city, according to organizers.
The powwow also raised $15,000 for the Gathering of Nations’ Academic Scholarship Program, which provides an American Indian student with a full scholarship to the University of New Mexico.
Dr. Lita Matthews’ Youth Literacy Program supplied books to more than 300 children at the event as well. Vendors at the Indian Trader’s Market sold more than $2 million in goods and services, and about 40 musical groups and entertainers performed.
Brooke Grant, a member of the Hoopa, Yurok, Karuk and Chippewa tribes, was crowned 2009 Miss Indian World. She will be the cultural goodwill ambassador to all Native and indigenous communities for the next 12 months.