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The Gathering of Nations Powwow: A Native American Celebration

Program Number: 1678RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/25/2013 - 4/28/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Price starting at: $549.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Festivals, Misc.; Native American Studies Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 8; 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners    

Experience the gathering of over 300 Indian tribes at this festive and moving celebration of culture and heritage. Hear the drum represent the shape of the sacred universe, and the Grand Entry of Dancers accompanied by singers. Feel the praise, worship, spirit and interconnectedness of generations and all life’s aspects through the Native American eye. Many are overwhelmed by the deep sacredness of this magnificent gathering and spectacle. Experience it for yourself.




Highlights

• Observe the Native American youth in their colorful, handcrafted regalia and see how the knowledge of generations gets passed down.
• Native American instructors give you deep insight into indigenous culture, spiritual thought and the history of the powwow.
• Supplement your knowledge at the Pueblo Cultural Center, as you observe their collection of dance regalia and a unique dance performance.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to three blocks on uneven surfaces, up to 40 stairs in arena; standing up to an hour; elevation of 5,280 feet.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Albuquerque

New Mexico's vast history, diversity, creativity, cuisine, beauty and art unite in this vibrant city, founded as a Spanish colonial outpost in 1706 and built in a traditional Spanish village configuration in which civic buildings surround a central plaza. “Old Town” is just one of New Mexico’s largest city’s many gems.
Accommodations
Centrally located hotel with heated pool, spa, fitness room.
Meals and Lodgings
   MCM Elegante
  Albuquerque, NM 3 nights
 MCM Elegante
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Large hotel with mid-town location and free parking
  Contact info: 2020 Menaul NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107 USA
phone: 505-884-2511
web: www.mcmelegantealbuquerque.com
  Room amenities: Data ports, irons, ironing boards, hairdryers, refrigerators upon request
  Facility amenities: Heated pool, spa and exercise room, restaurant and lounge on premises
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Best seasonal rate. Arrange for pre and post hotel nights directly with hotel at (505) 884-2511
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Best seasonal rate. Arrange for pre and post hotel nights directly with hotel at (505) 884-2511
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Hotel check-in anytime after 3:00 PM. Registration with your Road Scholar group leader from 4:00 to 5:30 PM in the hotel lobby for registration. You will be staying at MCM Elegante that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after 7:00 AM at hotel. You will be staying at MCM Elegante the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free at the hotel. Participants have access to their vehicles throughout the program.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Albuquerque, NM
  Nearest highway: I-25 and I-40
  Nearest airport:  Albuquerque International Sunport
  From End of Program
  Location: Albuquerque, NM
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Albuquerque

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
MCM Elegante Hotel Shuttle
phone: 505-884-2511

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Hotel shuttle is free.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

5 miles
   

It is a good idea to let the hotel's front desk staff know the evening before your departure that you'll need a shuttle to the airport. They can let you know what time the shuttle will depart in order for you to catch your flight.
 

Albuquerque

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
MCM Elegante Hotel Shuttle
phone: 505-884-2511

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Hotel shuttle is free.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

5 miles
   

Call the hotel at 884-2511 upon your arrival at Albuquerque Sunport to let them know that you need to be picked up for transport to the hotel. Call the hotel from the Amtrak Station and they'll send a shuttle to pick you up. You may also take a taxi to the hotel if you wish. Taxi fares may be shared.
 
Driving Directions
  From Albuquerque International Airport The airport is located on the south end of Albuquerque. Exit the airport west onto Sunport Boulevard, which will take you to Interstate 25. Take the entry ramp onto Interstate 25 and travel north to Exit 225 (Lomas). Continue driving north on the frontage road to Menaul Blvd. where you'll make a right turn. You'll see the hotel on the right-hand side of Menaul, just past the first intersection (at University.)
  From Interstate 25 Interstate 25 runs north and south through the middle of Albuquerque, where it crosses Interstate 40. From the north, take Exit 227 (Comanche, Candelaria, Menaul). Drive south along the frontage road until you reach Menaul (the third major intersection). Turn left on Menaul. Just after the first major intersection, with University Blvd., you'll see the hotel on the right. From the south, take Exit 225 (Lomas). Continue driving north along the frontage road until you reach Menaul. Turn right on Menaul and, just after the first major intersection (University), you'll see the hotel on the right.
  From Interstate 40 Interstate 40 runs east and west through the middle of Albuquerque. Near the center of town, it crosses Interstate 25. From the east, take Exit 159-D (University Blvd.) to the first light, which is Menaul. Turn right on Menaul and you'll see the hotel on the right, just past the intersection. From the west, take Exit 159-A (University Blvd.). Continue east along the frontage road until you reach University; turn left on University. Take a right at the second light, on Menaul, and you'll see the hotel on the right, just past the intersection.
Elevation Note: Albuquerque is at an altitude of approximately 5,300 ft. Moderate physical activity at all sites.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival/Check-In and Registration with Program's Group Leader/Dinner/Orientation and Introductions
(Thursday, April 25)

Note: Walking over carpeted areas at hotel up to three blocks during course of day
   
 Afternoon: Check into the hotel anytime after 3:00 PM.

Register with the program's group leader in hotel lobby between 4:00 and 5:30 PM.

 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
 Evening: Program orientation and introductions from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in hotel meeting room.
   
Accommodations: MCM Elegante
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introduction to PowWow Traditions/PowWow Dances
(Friday, April 26)

Note: Walking over paved terrain up to one mile over course of the day; walking up and down stairs to get into seating at the Arena where PowWow dances are held - the number will be between 5 and 40, depending on seating level and ability of participant to negotiate the stairs.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel from 7:00 to 8:00 AM
 Morning: Overview of the program, followed by a class about Native American PowWow traditions, tribes, regalia, and more (with hourly breaks).
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: After lunch, the bus departs for a brief city exploration, then travels to the UNM Arena where you'll view your first PowWow dances.

We can assure you that this will be one of the most spectacular events you'll see during your lifetime.

The pride of heritage you'll see reflected in the faces of the dancers, the amazing regalia (mostly handmade with great care and skill), the very young dancers to whom these ancient dances are being taught so the traditions will live on, and the numbers of tribes represented here cannot be duplicated anywhere.

Participants who have attended this program were almost overwhelmed to be a part of such a remarkable occasion, and we hope you will realize, when you see this PowWow, that you are a part of something very special and beautiful that is being shared with you by the dancers.

 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
 Evening: The bus will return to the PowWow dances and the Grand Entry of Dancers, a very colorful procession. You may choose to stay at the hotel if you're tired.

Please let your group leader know if you will NOT be returning to the PowWow.
   
Accommodations: MCM Elegante
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Native American Traditions and Arts and Crafts Classes/Indian Pueblo Cultural Center/ Lunch at the Harvest Cafe/Grand Entry of Dancers at the PowWow
(Saturday, April 27)

Note: Walking over paved terrain at an easy pace up to one mile over the course of the day - walking up and down stairs to get into seating at the Arena where PowWow dances are held - the number will be between 5 and 40, depending on seating level and ability of participant to negotiate the stairs
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel from 7:00 to 8:00 AM
 Morning: Classes about Native American traditions and more discussion about powwow dances from 8:30 to 11:15 AM.

One of your instructors will be a Native American who has a remarkable knowledge about the history and traditions, regalia and music, and more that accompany the PowWow.

 Lunch: At 11:30 AM, the bus departs for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, where you'll have lunch at the Pueblo Harvest Cafe from 12:00 - 1:00 PM.
 Afternoon: From 1:00 - 3:15 PM, spend some time at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center where you'll see some very special Native American dances, and view the wonderful collection of exhibits that the Museum offers.

Bus departs for the hotel at 3:15 PM.

From 4:30 - 5:00 PM, attend program closing comments in hotel meeting room.

 Dinner: Early dinner at the hotel from 5:00 - 5:30 PM so the group can arrive at the PowWow in time for the 6:00 PM Grand Entry of Dancers
 Evening: Return to PowWow site at 6:00 PM for another Grand Entry of the dancers.

Bus will return to the hotel no later than 8:30 PM.
   
Accommodations: MCM Elegante
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Breakfast and Departure/Hotel Checkout
(Sunday, April 28)
   
 Depart From: Independent departures from the MCM Elegante in Albuquerque. Hotel offers free shuttle service to Albuquerque Sunport and to Albuquerque Amtrak Station. Checkout time is 12:00 noon.
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel from 7:00 to 8:00 AM
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


The Pow Wow Trail: Understanding and Enjoying the Native American Pow Wow


Author: Julia C. White and Diane E. Stanley


Neon Pow Wow: New Native Voices of the Southwest


Author: Anna Lee Walters


Pow Wow


Author: Ben Marra


Anasazi: Ancient People of the Rock


Author: Muench, David and Pike, Donald G.


Book of the Hopi


Author: Waters, Frank


House of Rain: Tracking a Vanished Civilization Across the Southwest


Author: Childs, Craig


Indian Arts of the Southwest


Author: Page, Susanne & Jake


Lakota Woman


Author: Bird, Mary Brave


Migrations: New Directions in Native American Art


Author: Devon, Marjorie


Pueblos of the Rio Grande: A Visitor's Guide


Author: Daniel Gibson


Description: One of the best and most definitive books on the Pueblos along the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Information about pueblo events including feast days and special dances included, as well as a page or two of information about the origination and history of each pueblo. An excellent book for anyone interested in New Mexico's pueblos and the people who keep the traditions alive.



Saanii Dahataal: The Women Are Singing


Author: Tapahonso, Luci


Secrets from the Center of the World


Author: Harjo, Joy


Sisters of the Earth: Women's Prose and Poetry About Nature


Author: Anderson, Lorraine


Spider Woman's Granddaughters: Traditional Tales and Contemporary Writing by Native American Women


Author: Allen, Paula Gunn


The Book of the Navajo


Author: Locke, Raymond Friday


The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary


Author: Arrien, Angeles


Description: An account of spiritual approaches in other cultures, revealed by a leading expert on native spirituality and shamanism. Four archetypal principles of the native American medicine wheel and how they can lead us to a higher spirituality and a better world are present.



The Man to Send Rain Clouds: Contemporary Stories by American Indians


Author: Silko, Leslie Marmon




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