This July 26 - 29th tribes from up and down the west coast (including possibly tribes from all over Canada and the US) will reconverge in the beautiful Elaho Valley to celebrate an underground phenomena called the "tribal gathering". Most of these tribes attended the 3rd Annual Gathering of the Tribes Conference and Festival at the end of April in LA. These tribal collectives have had 2.5 months to reflect on what they learned at the conference, and to create and produce their own events that take these learnings to a deeper level. We will now come together to share all we have learnt, created and experienced.

What is the Gatherign of the Tribes?
Dedicated to the ideals of individuality, collectivity and expression, Gathering of The Tribes actively unites organizers, musicians, artists, and other supporters of dance collectives to 1) create a network of focused intention for positive social change aimed at radically rethinking the meaning and function of community, and to 2) celebrate and strengthen the culture of tribal dance through the promotion of meaningful events and the building of community and solidarity.

WHAT ARE TRIBAL COLLECTIVES?
Tribal dance collectives come in many forms and often defy definition; however, they tend to share the following characteristics: -Gatherings are usually noncommercial and are often held outdoors (where climate permits) -Members are organized in a close-knit, family-like structure -Active participation by all who attend is requested -Word-of-mouth is the primary promotion method -Most important, they are dedicated to building a community that exists outside the context of the gatherings

WHY PROMOTE THE TRIBAL DANCE COMMUNITY?
The Gathering of The Tribes was inspired by the belief that tribal dance collectives are vital to the future of our society because they are dedicated to the ideals of collective social organization, freedom of personal and artistic expression, and openness of belief and lifestyle. By radically rethinking the meaning and function of community, tribal dance collectives are creating a model of positive social and cultural change in society as a whole. Moreover, the experience of dancing together brings healing, understanding, and peace in an otherwise tumultuous and rapidly changing world.