SeeCalifornia.com

You’d never know there’s so much pageantry, fellowship, and competitiveness rolled up into a single event until you attend a pow wow. First off, the costumes are not only amazing, but symbolic, as are dance styles and steps. First timers have a lot to learn about the Grand Entry, Head Man, Head Woman and the many traditions that are adhered to at most pow wows in California. Come, watch and quickly you’ll become a fan.

California has the most Native American tribes and diversity of any state in the U.S., even after the 1700s-1800s influx of immigrants introduced diseases never known here. By 1848, such diseases had reduced California’s native population by more than two-thirds.

One of the best living history lessons you can treat yourself and your kids to is attendance at a pow wow. Modern American Indians host pow wows to try to keep their heritage and traditions alive and they share their festivals with non-Natives, usually in a smoke-free, alcohol free celebration.

2018 Pow Wows

• SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Pow Wow August 10-12
• HAWAIIAN GARDENS: Friendship Pow Wow August 11-12
• YOUNTVILLE: Suscol Intertribal Council Pow-wow August 25-26
• LAKESIDE: Barona Powwow August 31-September 2
• STOCKTON: Multi-Cultural Labor Day Pow Wow August 31-September 2
• EL CAJON: Sycuan Pow Wow September 7-9
• FELTON: Ohlone Day September 8
• SAN JACINTO: Soboba Pow Wow September 14-16
• NOVATO: Native American Trade Feast September 15
• CABAZON: Morongo Thunder & Lightning Pow Wow September 21-23
• LONG BEACH: Moompetam: Native American Festival September 22-23
• SACRAMENTO: California Native American Day September 28
• BISHOP: Paiute Pabanamanina Gathering, Parade and Pow Wow September 28-30
• ANDERSON: Stillwater Pow Wow October 5-7
• SANTA CLARITA: Hart of the West Pow Wow October 6-7
• SANTA YNEZ: Inter-Tribal Pow Wow October 6-7