Gathering of Nations will no longer be held at The Pit

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – The University of New Mexico says the Gathering of Nations will no longer be held at its basketball arena.

UNM Executive Vice President David Harris sent a letter Wednesday to the event’s organizer about the school’s decision, which he says is financial and operational.

This year’s 33rd Gathering of Nations wrapped up last Saturday at The Pit.

More than 100,000 spectators, artists and Native American dancers converged on Albuquerque as part of North America’s largest powwow.

Some 700 Native American tribes in the United States and First Nations in Canada were represented at the annual Gathering.

The terms of the agreement between UNM and the Gathering allows for it to be nullified with a 120-day notice before the event.

Harris says Expo NM has expressed interest in hosting the Gathering.