Back from: Albuquerque

Gathering of Nations Courtesy of Nancy Smith & Lightninghorse Photography

Pamyua Backup and Frontline at Miss Indian World/Gathering of Nations

[Anchorage] You might notice a bit of a tan on Karina, Ossie and Phillip.  Pamyua members are still washing the sand out of their hair after an outdoor performance on Stage 49 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Light winds, dry sun and smiling faces were abundant this year at one of America’s largest Pow Wows, The Gathering of Nations.

Native owned Emergence Productions invited Pamyua to headline this year’s Miss Indian World talent night at the Albuquerque Convention Center.  Pamyua also performed on the main floor for the Gathering of Nations.

The highlight for the group was performing for the Miss Indian World outgoing performance for reigning queen Nicole Colbert. In front of a captive audience of about 18,000 people, Nicole and Pamyua shared the stage for her final presentation as Miss Indian World.

Pamyua and James & Ernie courtesy of Nancy Smith & Lightninghorse Photography

Like Pamyua, Nicole’s background is Yup’ik Eskimo and African American.  She not only made her hometown of Napakiak, AK proud, the owners of Emergence Productions celebrated her positive leadership as they followed her throughout her year as queen, “She is so strong and an exceptional role model,” owner and operator of Emergence Productions Melissa Sanchez said.

On Stage 49 Pamyua shared the floor with the positive vibrations of New Mexico’s Native Roots, the hilarious Navajo comedy duo James and Ernie and the powerful enchanting voice of Soni Moreno of Ulali.

At the event Pamyua was on hand to sell and sign CDs and connect with old friends and new fans.  Karina, Ossie and Phillip (and Stephen) would like to thank all of the volunteers working with Melissa and Shkeme at Emergence Productions and everyone who shared their smiles, good vibes and dance moves with us. ###

By Phillip Blanchett

a PAM•YUA ⎜bum yo ah⎜blog.
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Photo Courtesy of Oscar Avellaneda

Post contributor Phillip Blanchett, also known as Kill’aq, lives in Anchorage, Alaska.  Learn more about him at Pamyua.com and at his own Myspace site.