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Powwow this weekend
This weekend the sounds of booming drums and native chants will be carried on the wind throughout the San Pasqual Valley as the Quechan and many other tribes gather together for the 29th annual Pow-Wow.
The event will be held on the San Pasqual football field, 676 Baseline Road in Winterhaven.
The powwow will begin at 7 p.m. Friday with a grand entry, when the royalty from the elementary, middle school and high school will enter the grounds ceremoniously. On Saturday there will be two grand entries, the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. On Sunday the final grand entry will be at noon.
Tickets are $6 for adults; $2 for ages 11-17; and free for 10 and under. Weekend passes are $8. For more information, call 1-760-572-0222, Ext. 2181.
"A powwow, as I see it, is a family gathering or a homecoming of sorts where many tribes get together," said Faron Owl, adviser to the Strong Hearts Native Society, the organization overseeing the event.
"Each tribe represents a different type of heritage and dress. We want to pass information about us to the public, and also celebrate our nativeness.
"It is a good time to see traditional dances and learn more about our history. There will be 45 crafts vendors and 15 food vendors who specialize in native foods - especially Indian fried bread!"
According to the Strong Hearts, there will be at least seven distinct types of dancing throughout the weekend: Gourd Dance, Grass Dance, Fancy Dance, Jingle Dance, Buckskin Dance, Men's Northern Straight Dance and Southern Straight Dance.
Each category requires its participants to wear different native ceremonial outfits, and have different traditions associated with them.
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Schedule of Events:
Friday
• 7 p.m. - Quechan Tribal Singing and Dancing (Grand Entry)
Saturday
• 10 a.m. - Gourd Dancing
• 1 p.m. - Grand Entry
• 5 p.m. - Supper Break (Bird Singing)
• 6 p.m. - Gourd Dancing
• 7 p.m. - Grand Entry
Sunday
• 10 a.m. - Gourd Dancing
• Noon - Grand Entry
• 6 p.m. - Awards and Closing Ceremony
