Gathering of Nations decision criticized
Organizers ‘appalled’ at action, but plan to remain in Albuquerque
The annual Gathering of Nations powwow will likely remain in Albuquerque, but the University of New Mexico’s unceremonious withdrawal as host drew a quick and sharp reaction from the family that organizes the event.
“After contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the Albuquerque economy, impacting millions of lives and generations and tribes from five continents, we’re appalled at the disrespect and disregard from the university,” event founder Derek Mathews said in a statement released Thursday by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, which helps market and promote the event.
The chamber estimates the Gathering of Nations, held annually at UNM’s Pit, generates more than $20 million in the local economy; however, that doesn’t translate to a net profit for UNM, which said the two-day event last year put it more than $2,300 in the hole after all expenses were met.
Mathews also confirmed in the statement that the Gathering of Nations will likely remain in Albuquerque.
“We are optimistic and actively engaged in discussions with potential partners in Albuquerque to host the 2017 Gathering of Nations,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you in our new venue next year.”
Hispano Chamber Presi-
dent Alex O. Romero, understood Mathews’ irritation and agreed.
“They had just put on one of the most amazing events, they’re exhausted, they go home, get the mail and find a letter telling them the university is terminating their contract. As they’re reading the letter, the news on television comes on with the same announcement. They’ve been doing this for over 30 years. They’re in shock. No phone call, no warning. Nada.”
Romero said the university, which cited “financial and operational considerations” in its decision, should have handled it better.
“They could have demonstrated respect for the family and the organization which brings millions of dollars into the community each year. How is that not important?”
Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry confirmed he and city officials met Thursday morning with Mathews and members of his family, as well as with representatives from the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.
“I don’t want to take it for granted that everything is settled, but I was very encouraged by the meeting today,” he said.
A team from the city, led by Chief Administrative Officer Rob Perry, will put together a “long-term sustainability plan” so the Gathering of Nations “will not only survive, but thrive” in Albuquerque, Berry said.
The team also will examine how the city might financially support some of the costs associated with the enormous production.
Among alternative venues that came up in the Thursday discussions were Expo New Mexico, Balloon Fiesta Park, the Albuquerque Convention Center/Civic Plaza and the Albuquerque Rail Yards.
Dan Mourning, general manager of Expo New Mexico, said he has had discussions with Gathering of Nations representatives, who also toured the grounds.
“They seemed very interested in what we have to offer,” he said.
The unexpected Wednesday night announcement from UNM said that “at a time when the University is facing tough budgetary constraints, hosting the powwow had become prohibitively costly to our athletic department, as well as risk services, police and security, and other university operations.”
On Thursday, UNM provided more detail in the form of a profit-and-loss spreadsheet that showed the two-day Gath- ering of Nations event last year left the university with a loss of more than $2,300; by comparison, last year’s seven-day Professional Bull Riders competition yielded a profit of more than $261,400.
The university did try to renegotiate its contract with the Gathering of Nations last year, said UNM spokeswoman Cinnamon Blair, but those negotiations were unsuccessful.
“Our decision was made carefully after much discussion,” Blair told the Journal. “The Gathering of Nations is a cultural event of great importance to our community. Every effort has been made to give advanced notice as they explore other options. We will continue to offer our assistance, as they transition to another venue, and wish the event organizers continued success.”
The Gathering of Nations is the largest gathering in the world of Native Americans and indigenous people. The 33rd annual event, held this past weekend, attracted about 3,000 dancers from more than 700 tribes around the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 15,000-seat basketball arena was at capacity for most of the dance competitions and other events. Annually the event attracts between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors in total. Millions more from countries around the world tune in via live internet streaming.
“This event would be cherished by any major city in the country, and Albuquerque has been fortunate to host it for 33 years,” Romero said.