Hundreds Gather for Pow Wow

Hundreds of brightly costumed dancers moved gracefully around the arena Saturday at the 16th Annual Pechanga Pow Wow, giving visitors a glimpse of their ancient traditions.

Providing the rhythm were live drummers and singers, performing the songs in the centuries-old manner. Dancers intermittently joined together for inter-tribal dances, while other times it was defined by the age or style of the the dancers.

Dancers' families set up camp in designated areas, enabling a good view of the activities. In between sets, dancers retreated to the tented areas to grab a bite to eat, relax and quench thirsts.

Spectators sat in grandstands set up for the event, or on lawn chairs or blankets, appreciatively watching both the young and the not-so-young tamp down the grass in the old way.

In the background were the sights and smells of every Indian gathering that has occurred for centuries: fry bread and sparkling silver and turquoise jewelry.

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians Pow Wow is one of the largest in the country, according to organizers.

Attendance at the event has at times exceeded 60,000 spectators.

Members of indigenous tribes, on this continent long before any European, travel to the gathering from not only the United States., but Canada and Mexico.

Steven Smith, a 16-year-old Fancy dancer from South Dakota, adjusted his regalia (outfit) in preparation for the next leg of the contest. He explained that he travels with his family much of the summer, attending pow wows in Washington, Montana and California.

Steven is Diné, which means "the people," and is how members of the Navajo tribe of Arizona refer to themselves.

"We stay on the road for weeks and go to different pow wows," Steven said. "Every weekend is a pow wow."

He explained that dancers compete for money prizes.

It was also a place for Indians to sell authentic items, most of which are handmade. Jewelry, arrows and tools made in the ancient way were some of the items for sale.

Saturday was the second day of the three-day event, and with the proximity to the Fourth of July, was the day chosen to hold a fireworks show.

Navigating the snarled traffic near the casino, thousands of residents came out to see the show, try traditional food and watch the expert dances.

Among the dances featured and crowd favorites were the Shawl Dance and the Grass Dance.