Manzanita
2009 Matyayum
By Roy Cook
Mountain chaparral defines the Manzanita Indian Nation green environment. This, September 19, 2009, is a joyful celebration of youth, Tribal culture and long time friends gathering to be what we are, Indian people. A revitalization phenomenon is the organized programs of: language, song, and culture on many of the 21 San Diego Indian reservations.
There is a good representation of families and dancers who attend the Soaring Eagle dance classes here today. They enjoy the opportunity to learn the Intertribal songs and dance styles. The Soaring Eagles group is sponsored by: Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR. Organized by Vickie Gambala, SDUSD Indian Education. Residents of Campo and Manzanita and Viejas travel to Old Town San Diego on Tuesday night for the dance classes. They are free and everyone is welcome to attend.
In the late afternoon, there are happy youthful faces with the evidence of pies devoured. They were pleased to win prize money in the Watermelon and pie eating contests. Adult categories were more emotional and competitive.
Leroy Elliot led off the Bird singing with family and friends from near and far in the line of singers. There were other styles and singers of Southern California and Colorado River songs sung this evening. Some sang as counterpoint, at the same time, and others as a distinct variation of the Bird song.
"Peon" is a highly competitive game of complex strategy, skill and calculation. It is played with eight players - four on each side, with an additional man or woman to act as umpire (Koymi). The two sides are usually made up of male or female players from different tribes or bands. The object of the game is for one side to win all the tally sticks. |