Arts & Life, Events

Power to the Pow Wow

Ceremonial regalia vibrant with color and the banging of ceremonial drums resounding throughout Cal State Long Beach introduced the 47th annual CSU Puvungna Pow Wow and Outreach.

The festival took place on Saturday and Sunday and celebrated a wide variety of Native American cultures and traditions and included native foods, vendors and cultural dances all throughout the event.

One of the biggest Pow Wows in Southern California, according to the CSULB Pow Wow’s official website, it was presented by CSULB’s American Indian Studies Program, American Indian Student Council, American Indian Student Services and Associated Students, Inc. and Student Affairs. It is student-run and organized with the help of student volunteers and community members from Long Beach and nearby areas.

The Pow Wow is an opportunity to bring American Indian tribes and members together in order to celebrate their heritages among older and newer generations.

Crowds of people gathered to spend the day surrounded by music and art. It was also an opportunity to wear traditional native dresses.

Upper campus was filled with tents and tables, every corner with something to offer.

Native food included mutton and Native tacos, which is similar to a ground beef taco but on top of thick and flaky maize, called fry bread. Traditional fry bread was also being served with sweeter toppings like honey and strawberry jam.

About 20 American Indian vendors were also present. Selling everything from handmade purses and tapestries to beaded necklaces and silver sterling jewelry, every item included a piece of Native American heritage.

The most popular items being sold were dream catchers, according to Miguel Sipechez, a dream catcher vendor.

“They are a symbol of how natives celebrate every part of life. A dream catcher holds our aspirations and wishes, but also our fears. It is native tradition to never forget about our dreams, even if they’re not real life,” said Sipechez, who  hand makes dream catchers with the help of his wife.

He said that it’s important for people to know how to use the catchers, as well as the dream catcher’s significance.

Many organizations were also at the event to spread knowledge and raise awareness about native culture.

While the food and vendors were just one part of the festivities, the main attraction was the ritual dancing featured in the center of the Pow Wow.

A ring was formed around a sitting area that included members of native tribes. People danced to banging drums and songs from a seated band just outside the ring. Children dressed in bright dresses and feathered and beaded head pieces danced along with their elders. A woman carrying a fox skin was seen walking around the ring as more entered to dance along.

This went on for hours as individual dances were  dedicated to everyone from students to military veterans and the mothers who see their children off to war.

Spectators in the stands watching the celebration said they couldn’t help but feel a sense of American history and dedication it takes to continue these native traditions for hundreds of years.  .

“It’s kind of overwhelming how beautiful it all is,” said Tim Mays, who was in the stands with his young daughter.

Mays has been going to the Pow Wow for years and still says he learns something every time. “I meet new people every time and I get something out of it. Not being a native myself, everyone who participates makes you feel welcomed and shows you a part of where they come from.”

Sara Godinez is a second year history student at Cal State Los Angeles who attended the Pow Wow as an assignment for her political science class.

“I didn’t know this was an event being held and I didn’t know much about it. So far it has been really cool and there’s a lot to see. It’s nice to have an event that’s focused on a culture and people get to come and be a part of that culture and get to observe it,” Godinez said. She also appreciated the fact that ethnic food was being sold and that the vendors would get to profit off merchandise that is culturally celebrated.

The Pow Wow ended both days with a retiring of colors from several tribes and a dance out to say farewell until next year.

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