San Diego American Indian Holiday Dinner DelightsBy Roy Cook
Red suit Santa and his one eyed sleigh circled like the traditional eagle over the Holiday Dinner December 17, 2005. Inside the hall the festive cheer and round dance songs had everyone thinking it felt a lot like Jingle bell Rez-Christmas! Our good friend Randy Edmonds opened the afternoon with insightful words of welcome. He and his wife Bonnie are faithful supporters of these community gatherings and for twenty-five years he was at the helm of the Indian Human Resource Center (IHRC).
There
are food and gifts galore for the small and not so small. There are generous
selections of new gifts for all the Indian Children. There are thoughtful
gifts for all the beautiful Indian ladies attending the afternoon event.
There are also guy gifts from the American Indian Chamber of Commerce
and The Pala Indian Band. Additionally there is Inter-Tribal entertainment
for everyone and songs to bring pride to the hearts of those far away
from home in these holiday times.
How about the elders and the kids? They are the main focus of many of
our traditional Indian gatherings. Each age group, old and young, represents
the Wisdom and the Future of our Indian world. All those that volunteer
to make these gatherings a success realize we do this from a motivation
of respect and hope. It does take a lot of work and effort and too often
things do not come together until the last minute. But when we see the
smiles and satisfaction across the room, well, it is all-worthwhile. The
Council of American Indian Organizations of San Diego County sponsors
this event. Paula Brim, Esther Abrahano, Juan Castellanos and Vickie Gambala
were key contact people and their efforts were rewarded by the large turn
out and mostly happy responses.
Special
Tribal entertainment added to the culturally rich afternoon. Featured
are: Kathy and Steve Garcia Family Dance group, Rob Anderson and David
Solomon flute and drum performance, Red Warriors Singers, lead by Tim
Redbird, kept the heartbeat of the Indian Nations pulsating the entire
afternoon. Additionally, the ever-popular Vickie Gambalas Kids Corner
produced artistic creations and great fun under the supervision of the
San Diego Indian Education Title VII program. The Red Warriors sang dozens
of special songs and provided the appropriate songs for the Garcia family
dance group. The Garcia troupe led out the round dance and everyone had
a chance to stretch their legs and work up a little appetite for another
slice of pie or cookies This afternoon was defiantly a dandy time for one and all. Remember to pray for those who are unable to attend due to health or legal circumstances. Add a special prayer for our military on the line and in harms way. Thank you for being there and maybe we will see you at the next American Indian community event. Mehan, Aho. |