Quechan tribe holds annual event this weekend
The rich history of local Native American culture will bloom into its full, colorful regalia this weekend when the Strong Hearts Native Society's 23rd annual Pow Wow gets under way today.
The celebration, which runs through Sunday, will take place at the San Pasqual High School football field, 676 Baseline Road, in Winterhaven. The event is billed as "America's most fascinating cultural event."
Organizers say the pow wow continues as one of the most be- loved Native American tradi- tions because of one simple fact - the celebrations keep traditions alive.
"This is the preservation of our culture," said Faron Owl, adviser to the Strong Hearts Native Society. "Our elders help us keep the important ideas about being Native American."
As a teacher, Owl rejoices in seeing young people learning their true cultural identity.
"These messages we are sending our young people are working," Owl said. "When you look at our society in 23 years, you'll see that we're accomplishing what we're striving for."
All proceeds from the pow wow, including its booth sales, will go toward the student society's scholarship fund. For further information, call San Pasqual High School at 1-760- 572-0222.
The pow wow celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. MST tonight with a barbecue, which will run through 7 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and students and $4 for kids 12 and under. The Indian Traders Market will open at 6 p.m. Items will range from Native American jewelry and art to Native food and bead work.
The grand entries, which is a time visitors would not want to miss, are planned for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and at noon Sunday.
Admission to the pow wow is $5 for adults, $2 for students in seventh through 12th grades and $1 for children. Weekend passes for adults and students are $8.
Last year's Pow Wow was enjoyed by 5,000 people throughout the weekend.
"This is a popular event with everybody," Owl said. "All cultures are invited. The pow wow is the coming together of people to celebrate our diversity, share our cultures."
Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.
POW WOW SCHEDULE
Location: San Pasqual High School football field
Note: Schedule is presented in Arizona time
Today
6 p.m. - Booths open
7 p.m. - Traditional gourd singing and dancing contest, ribbon dress and gourd singing contest.
Saturday
10 a.m. - Booths open
10 a.m. - Gourd dancing, registration open
1 p.m. - Grand entry, flag ceremony, invocation
Introduction of Head Staff
Tiny Tots
Junior division contest
Junior girls cloth, buckskin and fancy combined
Junior boys fancy war dances
Junior boys traditional
Teen boys and girls contest
Exhibition all adult categories
4 to 7 p.m. - Barbecue
6 p.m. - Gourd dancing
7 p.m. - Grand entry, flag ceremony, invocation
Introduction of Headstaff Quechan Elders
Special Men's Northern Traditional Contest
Men's Grass Dance Contest
Women's cloth dress contest
Ladies buckskin dress contest
Sunday
10 a.m. - Booths open, gourd dancing
Noon - Grand entry, flag ceremony, invocation
Introduction of Head Staff
Contest all adult categories
Fancy shawl contest
Ladies buckskin dress contest
Woman's jingle dress contest
men's northern traditional contest
men's southern straight dance contest
men's grass dance contest
Awarding of cash prizes
6 p.m. - All areas closed to visitors
