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What is an Indian Nation? The United States proudly has within its borders over five hundred Federally recognized Indian tribes. The State of California has the largest number of indigenous tribes and reservations in the nation and world! The San Dimas Chamber of Commerce wishes to share with its community the spirit and vitality of the Native American community within its own. There will be a sharing of this great source of pride in conjunction with ‘Western Days’ October 7th & 8th 2006. Come and experience the Western Days and the Native dancing and singing. See and hear the stories behind these dances handed down over generations and more recent dances from the recent decades that have developed out of our new and changing environment. Bare witness to one of the oldest methods of passing history and knowledge to future generations. |
Northern and Southern plains Indians will be presented in the dance arena, some with songs dating back to an era when buffalo and wild horses ran the plains freely. You may be able to hear and see the Men’s Northern Traditional Dancers perform the “Sneak Up” and “A horse Stealing/Trot” song performed by Southern Traditional dancers. These songs have withstood the passing of many centuries. There will be a special guest visit by Saginaw Grant, Hollywood movie actor who will be our Head Gourd Dancer. Many of these traditional dances have developed out of ceremonies that our elders retained through secret gatherings over the past two hundred years. It was not until 1978 through the Native American Indian Freedom of Religion Act, that Indian ceremonies were given the same freedom that other religions have enjoyed. See all these spectacular presentations, events and dances among the “Lodges” (tipis) set up around the dance arena. Numerous vendors presenting many hand made Native artifacts, jewelry, and souvenir items for public sale will surround the event. There will be hands on activities for our children to introduce them to many of the Native American crafts and activities. The San Dimas Pow Wow will be Saturday, October 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 8th 10 :00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |