By Roy Cook

A day of plenty. Saturday Nov. 18, 2006 at 4650 Mansfield Ave. is a bountiful day of plenty. Plenty of food. Plenty of smiles. Plenty of traditional Intertribal entertainment. Plenty of well decorated tables surrounded by the most beautiful people on this plentiful planet, American Indians. There are plenty of old friends and new faces to meet too.

Ernie Salgado ‘Red Rez scooter rider in Tribal style’ and the Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association brought their generosity and participation to this urban Indian gathering.

Randy Edmond, Emcee and Robert Anderson greet the early arrivals and open the festivities. Robert spoke and prayed in English and his tribal language, Dine.

Red Warriors continue the spirituality of the gathering for their first music selections and focus on the timeless qualities of the traditional circle of life round dance songs.

Our beloved Tribal Elders first and always are respectfully called to be first in line for the Turkey, dressing mashed potatoes, corn, squash, salads and the generous potluck dishes that add to the setting of the Intertribal American Indian meals.

The organized and well manned/women kitchen crew: Don and Jean Vigeault, Jerry Starnes and Rita, Paul Razo, Ronnie Whitehorse and Phyllis Whitehorse and all their other helpers are authentically cooking and serving the very tasty selections that are traditional to the season. This is the leading turn out in some time.
During the desert part of the meal wonderful prizes are awarded to the lucky ticket holders. Many Ahos to Ernie Salgado and SCTCA for these fine gifts and prizes!

Also at the same time, San Diego Indian Education program’s Vicky Gambala had a fine new project for our Indian children, Travois traveling bag with colorful and tribal designs. As always, this project is so attractive that many adults wanted to try out this new venture!

Seconds are being encouraged as ‘Chato’ Hinosa and his evocative flute compositions open the second session of entertainment. The Red Warriors and a selection of Inter-tribal and Veterans songs appropriate to the Native American month and Veterans Day follow him.
Covered plates of plentiful selections are prepared for many to take a bite home with them. The Council of American Indian Organizations of San Diego County is appreciative of all those who remained afterward and helped with the clean up. Also special thanks is formally recognized from: Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, American Indian Health center, American Indian Warriors Association, SDSU Indian studies, Ferrida family, AIM, IHRC and many other donors.

This annual event is a prelude to our next Traditional Winter gathering Saturday December 16, 2006, same location, 1:30-4:30 pm San Diego, California- Kumeyaay land,

Mehan, Aho, thank you.