Sycuan Pow wow 2012

By Roy Cook

Summertime pow wow season in Southern California. Days are still warm and thunder clouds hint of the monsoon in the Eastern desert. Hot, humid days make the evening breezes even more welcome in the Dehesa valley of Sycuan. This annual pow wow, September 7-8-9, 2012 summer weekend gathering, is the culmination for many other cultural events in the San Diego County region. A major focus is the traditional occasion for the summer Tribal culture, art, music, games and the opportunity to meet new and lifelong friends. Around the dance arena international and local elders are respectfully accessible. This is national tribal self determination in action. It is a celebration promoting trial pride, hospitality and generosity. And is part of the continuing saga that is the local Kumeyaay Tribal custom and tradition.

Much of this Sycuan celebration has a local Kumeyaay prominence. Throughout the weekend from the raising of the Veterans’ memorial flags, the drum singing and pow wow activities and into the late night there are custom and tradition presentations of local Bird singing and opportunities for traditional gaming, the Peon competition.

On Friday the Indian flag eagle staffs at the grand entry of the pow wow were carried by selected elders, ‘Bo Bo’ Galvan and Danny Tucker, Sycuan Tribal Chairman. They are followed by the Sycuan Color Guard and a massive, glorious group of 400 or more Native American pow wow participants in category regalia.

On Saturday the schedule was very flexible. After seemingly interminable Bird singing and dance competition the Grand entry was cancelled and the head drums sang intertribals to allow the tabulators to list the dancers in the arena. The category competition began about 10pm and the pow wow continued as the Peon gaming also went into overdrive, with the last game finishing after noon the next day.

The Sycuan Head staff selected for this year was: Arena director, Clifton Goodwill, Head Drum judge John Lorentz, Head Dance judge Rene Navarro, Tabulator Sammye Dominguez, Bird song and dance coordinator, Ron Christman, Dennis Bowen and Ruben Little Head were the Masters of ceremonies.

Selected Dance staff fulfilled their positions: Head Gourd dancer, Daron Ahhitty, Head dancer, Floyd Wayne Silas Jr., Head Woman dancer, Useloria Kanuho, Head Young Man dancer, Jake Jacome, Head Young Women dancer, Cheyenne Jacome.

Beautiful songs came from the Host Northern drum, Mandaree and the Host Southern drum, White Tail Singers.

Sycuan pow wow attendees have a free seat at our finest entertainment in the modern Native American pow wow world. This is a premier event, a gem in the crown of Southern California: the public is welcome, free hosted presentations of American Indian diversity and traditional culture.

A heartfelt and appropriate pow wow memorial was held in recognition of Anna Sandoval, past Sycuan Chairperson. She was instrumental and supportive of the first Sycuan Pow wow in 1989. At that time, Ron Christman called upon local resources and with Tina Morales organized the first two Sycuan pow wows. The third year Ron Christman and Tina Morales were able to contact the Canadian Cree Cardinal family. They brought down dancers, elders and singers with a drum. And here we are 23 years later.

The Sycuan Tribal Elders have said it best, “Our culture is the driving force and foundation of our existence. It is a way of life that is our obligation to pass on to our children and grandchildren. We are humbled to welcome the many dancers and artisans that have traveled many miles to be here with us. We are especially happy to extend this welcome to the many visitors that have never experienced our pow wow before. With respect to our people, our land and our traditions, enjoy this weekend as you make new friends and memories.
Finally, we hope that you will carry in your heart a piece of our sacred ways that you may share with your children. Mai’ha mepasho. Ahan kanam. E’Yaay a’han! Pii’wa!”

Mehan, we will be looking to see you at the next Native American gathering.