19th Annual Soboba Inter-Tribal Pow Wow

SAN JACINTO, Calif., Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians invites the community and public to the 19^th Annual Payomkawichum Soboba Inter-Tribal Pow Wow set to take place September 18^th thru the 20^th, 2015 at the Soboba Event Center next to Soboba Casino. This will be a family friendly event with free admission and parking and everyone is welcome.

This year's Pow Wow will bring to life the rich history of the Payomkawichum or "People of the West" through song, dance, food and games. It will be a weekend to celebrate and experience cultures, values, and traditions with a gathering of Native American tribes from across the country.

A pow wow, derived from the Narragansett word powwaw meaning "spiritual leader," has historically been a gathering of North America's Native people. More modern pow wows have become a cultural celebration for Native American and First Nations people to meet, dance, sing, socialize and honor their cultures.

For nearly two decades Soboba's pow wow has been a space for the community to meet old friends, make new ones, have fun, and dance on their own reservation. Another tradition is Soboba's outreach to local area schools. The tribe provides buses for local school children to come and be immersed in their culture and heritage which includes a special performance by tribal dancers.

"We are a proud people with a rich history," explains Soboba Tribal member Chuck Castello, "who are inspired by our ancestors to continue our traditions and remember our past. We are excited to share these traditions with our community so that they may better understand our people, our customs, and our legacy. It is a wonderful weekend for every one of every age to come and enjoy themselves."

Drawing participants from all across North America, the weekend features some spectacular events not to be missed. These include:

• Social Gathering, Thursday, Sept. 17, 6p.m. – 1a.m.: Round dance and bird singing at the Sports Complex, Soboba Casino Indian Reservation, CA
• Drum Contest, Dance Contest, and Special Contest: Contest registration is at 4p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18. The "special contest" is still to be announced.
• The Gourd Dance will take place Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12p.m.
• The Grand Entry will occur on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7p.m., Saturday, Sept 19 at 1:30p.m. and 8p.m., and Sunday, Sept 20 at 1p.m.
• Saturday Evening Gathering, Sept. 19, 5p.m. – 7:30p.m.: Bird singing and dancing at the Soboba Event Center. Registration for the event is open from 3p.m. – 5p.m., for information please contact Joe Ontiveros at 951-663-5279. The evening will also feature Peon Games, an ancient Kumeyaay Indian game, next to the Soboba Event Center. For more information on Peon Games contact Maurice Chacon at 951-201-9899.

The 19^th Annual Soboba Inter-Tribal Pow Wow is a unique opportunity for the public to come together with the Soboba Community to celebrate and learn about the history of our land and is an event not to be missed. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities still exist and local businesses are encouraged to participate.

For information regarding these opportunities or for more information about the Pow Wow, please contact Andrew Vallejos at 951-654-5544 ext. 4112 or click 2015 Soboba Inter-Tribal Pow Wow.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150904/264010 

SOURCE Soboba Casino

Related Links

https://www.soboba-nsn.gov/events/powwow