The 42nd annual two-day event, which will feature American-Indian dancing, arts, crafts and food, will begin at 11am each day and run until 10pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.
The largest spring event of its kind in Southern California, the Pow Wow at CSULB is focused on displaying the university’s strong American-Indian presence.
“We are celebrating the ongoing commitment to American-Indian studies at CSULB, the oldest American-Indian studies program west of the Mississippi, at our 42nd annual homecoming and celebration of life,” said Craig Stone, professor of American-Indian studies and art at CSULB and faculty advisor to the American-Indian Student Council, AISES and the Pow Wow Committee. “We are proud of our students who not only excel in their studies but dedicate countless hours to organizing the Pow Wow and other campus events.”
Members of the head staff and their affiliations are:
• Master of Ceremony: John Dawson (San Carlos Apache)
• Arena Director: Victor Chavez (Diné)
• Head Man Dancer: Rene Jaramillo Navarro (Lipan/Mescalero Apache)
• Head Lady Dancer: Heidi Jaramillo Navarro (Muscogee Creek)
• Host Northern Drum: Eagle Rib (Tsuu T’ina First Nation, Alberta, Canada)
• Head Southern Singer: Herschel Kaulaity (Southern Cheyenne/Kiowa)
• Host Gourd: Golden State Gourd Society
• Spoonkeeper: Patricia Lopez (Taos Pueblo)
In addition to contests and inter-tribal dancing, there will be gourd dancing with dancer registration closing at 2pm on March 11. All dancers and drums are invited.
Saturday’s schedule of events will include: gourd dancing at 11am; grand entry at 2pm; dancer registration closing at 2pm; American Indian Student Council Special at 4pm; dinner and California Indian Presentation-Ti’at Society at 5pm; and retire colors and dance out 10pm.
On Sunday, the schedule of events will be: gourd dancing at 11am; grand entry at 2pm; and awards, retire colors and dance out at 6pm.
Native foods such as mutton and beef stew, Navajo tacos, fry bread and Indian burgers will be on sale at the event, and American-Indian vendors will be selling both traditional and contemporary American-Indian art.
The event is presented by CSULB’s American-Indian Studies Department, American-Indian Student Council, American-Indian Student Services, Student Life and Development, the Division of Student Services and Associated Students Inc.
For more information about the event, e-mail powwow@csulb.edu, call (562) 985-8528 or visit csulb.edu/divisions/students/sld/american_indian_services/pow_wow. A campus map and directions can be found at csulb.edu/maps.
