It is stormy, wet
and elusive outside. Inside it is warm, real and white hot with the Pow
wow tradition. Grossmont College 16th annual celebration of life brings
together the urban and rural tribal population into sharp focus. The College
institution provides the facility. Tom Gamboa related that this, “Pow
Wow has always had a theme of 'Indians Helping Indians'. The college provides
not a cent purposely and with major budget cuts now it would be impossible.
The only thing they provide is the facility. Viejas and Barona fund the
Pow Wow.
Those who have attended most of them will readily agree. There is always a lot of good Southern Plains tradition to enjoy. Those dancers that live for gourd dance count the days for this one-day event! And yet there is a spontaneity that always makes this event special and unique. This year is no exception.
2. Binding the wounds of the Samoan and Kumeyaay Nations: Tom Gamboa introduced Joseph Red Bear, AIWA president and former Marine Corps Force Recon. They described the steps accomplished to bring the nations into a balance after the tragedy at Coors arena. Charlie Brown from Viejas represented the Kumeyaay Nation.
Visitors and special guests: Hershel Kaullity singing with the Red Tipi drum brings his tradition and wisdom to the circle. Also, the late Will Sampson's son appeared and performed a hoop dance. Joan Phoenix, Otoe, has been a constant example to us all on how things need to be done. She is not in the best of health but it is very special to see her at an event that is so close to her heart. Her legacy is most evident in the many current and past members of the Little Hawks Dancers. Joan and her husband ‘Boxie’ have constantly and graciously kept the Barona pow wow going in the right direction. There is an electric tension in the air filled with anticipation of the Grand Entry. The GCC pow wow is one of the first, in this area, after the holidays. Many excellent and new dancers filled the dance arena this evening. It fills our heart to see so many happy faces enjoying our tribal ways. Indian traditions will live, the Creator says so!
This report will be incomplete without recognizing the outstanding quality of the Host Drums and the superb singers that make the pow wow the success that this traditional tribal celebration brings to all the people.
Red Tipi Singers: Daron and Glen Ahhitty joined with a circle of lead singers to bring forth hours of gourd dance and family songs. Whitecloud Singers: Larry Garcia spoke to the circle at the appreciation song for the Red Tipi Singers. He acknowledged many past singers and their sons who are now gathered around the center drum and singing for the people. It is wonderful. Dancing Cloud Singers Our final acknowledgement
and heartfelt thanks is to the GCC pow wow organizing committee: Vickie
Matheney and Jenelle Millar, the faculty advisor is: Tom Gamboa, Thank
you, Aho, Mehan |