Organizers of the massive Gathering of Nations powwow and Miss Indian World competition recently announced that the event would return as an in-person event after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The event is scheduled to take place April 28-30, 2022.

While a version of the powwow was held in a virtual format the past two years, the Miss Indian World competition has been on hold. The last titleholder was Cheyenne Kippenberger, who made history when she won the competition in 2019 – a first for the Seminole Tribe. Kippenberger agreed in 2020 to extend her reign by a year due to the pandemic.

Kippenberger’s reign officially ended in April of this year. She was the 36th Native woman to wear the crown and the first to serve for two years.

Organizers are currently accepting Miss Indian World applications for next year’s competition. Durante Blais-Billie, the most recent Miss Florida Seminole, has said she will not participate in the 2022 pageant.

Gathering of Nations has been held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, since its inception almost 40 years ago. It is described as the largest powwow in North America, drawing hundreds of dancers, musicians and singers from many Tribal Nations. The powwow coincides with the Miss Indian World pageant and ancillary events such as Stage 49, the Traders’ Market and the Horse & Rider Parade. The event attracts tens of thousands of spectators to Tingley Coliseum on the Expo New Mexico fairgrounds in Albuquerque each year.