Group Travels to Gathering of Nations

Story by Judy Weeks

IMMOKALEE — More than 20 members of the Immokalee community boarded airplanes with Native Americans from across the U.S. Their destination: the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, N.M. This small group from Immokalee represented only a few of the Seminole Tribal citizens who participated in this annual event.

In its 22nd year, the Gathering of Nations originated in 1984 as a spring Pow-Wow at the University of Albuquerque. Two years later it moved to “The Pit” at the University of New Mexico. This arena was so named because it was built to resemble a Pueblo kiva, or underground ceremonial chamber.

The Pow-Wow included more than 3,000 dancers and singers from 800 North American Tribes. Performers showcased both Northern and Southern dance style.

The expert judges for this awesome spectacle were Pawnee Tribal member George Shields and Randy Medicine Bear, Rosebud Sioux. Both are renowned and accomplished veteran dancers.

Spectators at the two day event exceeded 150,000 people. Seminole Tribal citizen Christine McCall represented the Seminole Tribe in the Miss Indian World Pageant. McCall, from the Hollywood reservation, was one of 28 contestants.

Delana Smith, an Ojibwe from Red Lake, Minn., was the reigning Miss Indian World. As a preschool teacher where a disturbed student killed nine people and then himself this past year, she did a special dance in memory of the lost ones. As a part of her final act, she and her Tribal council brought 40 of her preschool students to perform the jingle dance with her at the Pow-Wow.

Immokalee seniors Nancy and Louise Motlow, Delores Jumper and Elizabeth Oleo with her daughter, Linda Beletso attended the event accompanied by Jennie Martinez, Anna Puente and Angie Arreguin. In addition to attending the Pow-Wow, they visited a museum in Santa Fe and went sight seeing in the area surrounding Albuquerque.

This happy group lost themselves for a whole day at the Indian Trader’s Market, where over 800 vendors display and sell their crafts and jewelry. Mingling with the crowd, they soaked up the culture of many nations.

Chairman Mitchell Cypress and Big Cypress Council Representative David Cypress joined the ladies during a tour of Old Town.

“It is great to spend time with the elders,” Cypress said. “It gives me an opportunity to relax and unwind from my hectic daily routine.”

Joking and teasing, David Cypress displayed his wonderful sense of humor as he kept the group laughing and bantering with each other.

Joining Esther Buster, Janice and Louise Osceola from Big Cypress, the group from Immokalee enjoyed the Landry’s Restaurant. The establishment had posted a “Welcome Seminoles” sign on their marquee.