San Manuel Pow Wow returns to Cal State San Bernardino this weekend: ‘A sacred space’

The San Manuel Pow Wow will return this weekend to Cal State San Bernardino.

The free event, beginning Friday, will feature Southern California traditional bird singers and dancers, and North American and Canadian dancers and drum singing groups.

“There will also be vending from artisans representing Indian tribal nations from all across North America and Canada,” according to event host, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Since 1996, the San Manuel Pow Wow has remained a celebration of Indigenous cultures and a symbol of Indigenous resiliency – open to all in the spirit of friendship, organizers said.

The Pow Wow begins with the blessing of the grounds, as an elder blesses the grounds with sage and offers a prayer for good spirit and a good time for everyone attending.

During the event, “the Pow Wow is a sacred space where people from across Indian Country can share their traditions, spirituality and individual style through sounds, motion and art,” San Manuel officials stated.

Native American dishes, such as crowd-favorite foods like fry bread – as well as a diverse array of authentic Native American traditional crafts and fine art, will be available for purchase from vendors.

San Manuel will present more than $250,000 in cash prizes to contestants competing in the Native American dancing and singing competitions.

The San Manuel Pow Wow is from Friday, Sept. 20 to Sunday, Sept. 22 at Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino.

To view Pow Wow daily schedules, events and other information, visit socalpowwow.com.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: San Manuel Pow Wow 2024: Schedule, Cal State San Bernardino event guide