It’s called "The 49"—a singing party that wraps up powwows across North America. In Albuquerque, it used to be held on Nine Mile Hill after the Gathering of Nations. "You'd drive up there off in those sand dunes and there would be thousands of Natives partying," says Rod Lacy.

North America's largest powwow is packed with Native foods, traditional dancing and music, and 800 artists and traders. This year's "Stage 49" features music and entertainers from across North America (visit the website above for a comprehensive list). Headliners are Joanne Shenandoah, Robert Mirabal, Eli Secody, Kēvens, Native Roots, Gabriel Ayala and Derek Miller.