GATHERING OF NATIONS

The Gathering of Nations is the largest pow-wow in North America. It is always the fourth weekend in April every year, on the Powwow Grounds at Expo NM, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. More than 565 tribes from around the United States and 220 from Canada travel to Albuquerque to participate.

The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow is a two-day event for all people (Indian and Non-Indian) to come see colorful Native American Pow Wow dancing, to hear the songs and become enlightened with emotional happiness!

With over 3,000+ indigenous/Native American/Indian dancers and Singers representing more than 500+ tribes from Canada and the United States come to the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow annually to participate socially and competitively.

It has been said by many that the Gathering of Nations PowWow is the Mecca of Indian Country; while others have said “There is a magic about the “Gathering.”

Many people from around the world have made the Gathering of Nations Powwow their travel destination. The Gathering of Nations has grown to become more than just a “Powwow“, it’s an experience! While the Miss Indian World Pageant has become the largest and most prestigious Cultural Pageant for young Native/Indigenous women over the years.

HISTORY

The Gathering of Nations began “unofficially” in 1983 at the University of Albuquerque, in ABQ, NM.  In 1984, the event took on the name Gathering of Nations Powwow, which was held on the NM Fair Grounds in the small Horse Arena, for two challenging years.  After the two years at the Horse Arena, GON knew it had to move to a larger venue.

Explore more heritages… Learning our commonalities help unite us.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Visit the Gathering of Nations website.
Follow on social media with: #GatheringOfNations and #MissIndianWorldPageant
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Unveiling the Magic of March’s Aquamarine

As winter loosens its grip and the world tilts toward spring, March arrives with a birthstone that perfectly captures this transitional magic: the aquamarine. With its serene, crystalline blue reminiscent of sunlit shallows and deep ocean horizons, aquamarine is more than just a beautiful gem. It is a vessel of romance, mythology, and profound symbolism, offering its wearer a tangible connection to the calming depths of the sea and sky. This captivating stone has stirred human imagination for millennia, weaving tales of mermaids, gods, and eternal love.

The romantic allure of aquamarine is deeply rooted in maritime legend. For centuries, sailors and travelers carried it as a talisman for protection over treacherous waters, believing it could calm waves and ensure a safe voyage. This association naturally evolved into a symbol of lasting love and commitment, making it a cherished jewel in betrothal rings and sentimental gifts. To give aquamarine was to promise safety, fidelity, and a love as enduring as the ocean itself. Its clear, tranquil hue evokes a sense of honest and open communication, making it an emblem of a relationship built on trust and understanding—a true romance anchored in deep, peaceful waters.

Aquamarine’s mythology stretches back to the treasure troves of gods and mythical beings. The Romans believed the gem was sacred to Neptune, god of the sea, having fallen from the jeweled boxes of sirens or washed ashore from the depths of his realm. In ancient lore, it was considered the treasure of mermaids, a stone that could capture the very essence of the ocean. Greek legends held that aquamarine was worn by Poseidon and could harness the power of the sea, offering the wearer the god’s protection and favor. These stories imbue the stone with a sense of ancient power and mystery, connecting the wearer to a timeless, mystical world beneath the waves.

Beyond myth and romance, aquamarine’s symbolism is universally resonant. Its primary associations are with tranquility, courage, and clarity. The soothing blue color is said to calm the mind and reduce stress, acting as a touchstone for serenity in turbulent times. Historically, it was believed to clear mental fog, enhance intellectual clarity, and grant the wearer the courage to speak their truth—making it a stone of both peace and fearless expression. As the color of sky and sea, it symbolizes expansiveness, purity, and the fluidity of life, encouraging a smooth flow of communication and emotional release.

For those born in March, or for anyone drawn to its ethereal beauty, aquamarine is a powerful companion. It is a gem that carries the whisper of ocean tides and the vastness of the spring sky. It invites us to embrace the calm within the storm, to communicate with heartfelt courage, and to remember the ancient, romantic mysteries that still resonate in the natural world. To wear aquamarine is to carry a piece of the sea’s soul—a timeless reminder of peace, protected love, and the enduring magic of clear, blue depths.

NATIONAL VISION BOARD DAY

National Vision Board Day on the second Saturday in January encourages us to set our goals in a visual way. Get out the sticky notes, markers, and inspiration and start plotting your goals for the new year!

Vision board parties began in 2010 between a group of friends as a way for people to get together in a fun environment to set goals, cast a vision and dream out loud in a tangible way. They then mount on their completed vision boards on their walls where they would see them every day. Seeing their hopes and dreams helps set in motion these visions and ideas to become a reality.

Many actors, musicians, fashion and entertainment-based people have been participating in this since its inception. Vision boards help people remember their goals and concepts on a daily basis.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #VisionBoardDay

Host a vision party for your friends, family or co-workers. Set goals for the coming year and put them where you can see them. They will help motivate you to attain your goals. Do you have a vision board from last year? How well did it work? Share the results and get ready for an outstanding vision board for this year, too!

Post photos using #VisionBoardDay on social media.

UNIVERSAL HOUR OF PEACE

From 11:30 p.m. on December 31st to 12:30 a.m. on January 1st each year, Universal Hour of Peace hopes to take a step toward a war-free world. 

The day encourages the promotion of peaceful activities during the hour of observance. 

UNIVERSAL HOUR OF PEACE HISTORY

Dr. Barbara Condron at the School of Metaphysics conceived the first Universal Hour of Peace, and the world celebrated on October 24, 1995. It coincided with the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and the autumnal equinox. The following year it was moved to January 1st at Noon GMT. It is now celebrated from 11:30 p.m. December 31st to 12:30 a.m. January 1st.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #UniversalHourOfPeace

Organizations around the world host events supporting an hour of peace. Some include prayer, music, poetry, or speeches. Gatherings may be large or small, but the effort overall will be to spread the word of peace in every heart and mind regardless of faith.

Several ways to participate include:

  • host a prayer circle
  • join a candlelight vigil
  • meditate or attend a meditation session
  • organize an event to discuss drawing us closer to peace
  • share resources for promoting harmony in communities
  • participate in discussions that bring organizations together to create solutions to issues
  • share an experience
  • write a poem or story 

Use #UniversalHourOfPeace to post on social media.

From our Family to yours…

May our warm wishes find you no matter the celebration this time of year.  I hope you’ll join us again next year and be sure to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine.   Find us on social media.