Pow Wow Weekend

 

A spectacle of puppetry: Buffalo parade through New York City

LINK 4:43 minutes

I thought the video above was pretty cool.

Stories with links, for those that like 'em: Yesterday and today were Pow Wow days! The 32nd year of our local Pow Wow, which has been renamed to the Heart of Tataviam Pow Wow. That link tells the story of why it was renamed and a bit about the Host Tribe (the one I returned the "Indian Rock" to back in 2021) and those who make the running of the Pow Wow smooth or serve in special roles. A bit of information and a video of the day can be found HERE, in the local paper.

It was like seeing old friends for me, as many of those involved in the organizing of, dancing at or drumming for the Pow Wow have been there as many years as we have. The Arena Director, Victor Chavez, has been there forever. We've listened to the Master of Ceremonies, Glen Begay (seen below), present in a calm, humorous and informational way for years. The Spiritual Advisor, Theodore (Ted) Garcia, has also been around for years. He is the one who did a SAGE healing blessing for me in the past (when I did not even know his role at the Pow Wow!). 

This year it felt important to thank some of these familiar faces. After all, my life has been enriched by this event all of these years. I always thank the drummers, and did so again this year. I also spoke with the gentleman below, who shared some local family history with me and thanked me for for my support - as I was thanking him. However, I missed the three mentioned above. Next year?

When we first started attending, his son was just a little tyke. He is now as big as his daddy! Bear with me if I am retelling old stories, I find I am at at a place in life where that happens.

Ted Garcia (in the white t-shirt, on the left) and the man in black, on the right, blessed all of the dancers as they entered the arena. The scent of sage filled me with a deep fondness. This takes place at the opening ceremony, as they all enter for the first time. The arena itself has already been blessed. There is more to learn about this (for me). I noticed this year that many of the dancers backed out of the arena. I had not noticed that in the past (even though I frequently stand at the entrance space). I wanted to ask, but an internet search will have to do for now:

Reasons for Backing Out of the Arena

Honoring Veterans and Rear-Guard Action: Some dancers—particularly veterans—move backward out of the circle to represent a rear-guard duty, symbolically watching over and protecting the people and the arena until everyone is safe. 
Maintaining Focus and Respect: Turning one's back on the sacred circle, the drum, or the community can be viewed as disrespectful. Facing forward while backing out ensures the dancer keeps their attention on the arena. 
Clearing Negativity: Certain traditional dancers use backward movement as a form of prayer or cleansing, working to sweep away or remove any negative energy from the dance ground. 

Note: Practices and local arena rules vary significantly by region and tribe; while common in certain areas or specific veteran protocols, other communities do not require or practice backing out.

Sunday I made sure to have time with the drumming. As usual, I stand as close as I can to the group taking their turn. The second photo of Blue Star shows the group I usually like the best. They drum hard, I can feel it in my whole body, especially in my chest. BOOM - BOOM - BOOM! The drum was rocking and bouncing in its wooden stand! The bottom photo is Hale & Co, who are also there most years. I can't recall the names of the groups in the top photo or the other group (pictured 3rd from the top). I'll have to get better at that next year. I could be in that space with those drums on a daily basis. Anyway, they are all very good drummers/singers!

Shown above are the head man/woman and young head man/young woman. I listened to their stories and duties expected of them. I never realized there was so much involved. The Head Man has quite the resume! He was here from Arizona with his grandparents. They'd brought gifts for the others and for other leaders as well. The amount of meaningful traditions and respect for elders is always touching. Again, you can read about them HERE.

We of course visited each vendor booth, which I found much more interesting that the ones at the Avocado Festival. The small drum and mask ocarinas caught my eye, along with some woven bracelets and hairless dogs! And of course we ate our way through two days of Fry Bread, or an Indian Taco, as the case may be!

Our local House Representative, George Whitesides was there presenting Congressional Honors to the Head Man/Woman/Young Man/Young Woman and others. We were able to thank him for his work and for attending the event. He was warm and attentive to the conversation. 

Each year is a treasured time of learning, community, connecting and traditions.

And each year is a time to slow down, single-task and enjoy the moments in nature.

Where do you want to go more than once?

May you build traditions that matter

May you travel in calmness

May you show gratitude

xo

#goodenough

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2026