Like many hearts beating, rhythm and song echoed as drum circles, formal regalia, and the scent of aromatic fry bread filled the grounds.
The 31st annual Hart of the West Pow Wow, named in honor of the silent film star, makes the William S. Hart Park in Santa Clarita a most notable meeting place.
Held over the October 4th weekend, the event was once again hosted by the Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.
David Patterson, with a proud heritage from both the Sac and Fox nation and the Kickapoo tribe, is part of the Hale and Company Navajo drum team and says, “It feels amazing.”
“I enjoy going to powwows almost every week. It’s part of my culture, part of my healing process. I’ve been dancing ever since I was a little boy,” said Patterson.
He says gourd dancing is separate from a powwow.
“A long time ago, the Kiowa people were up in the Black Hills, and they had these ceremonies, but the government took these ceremonies away from them to try and break our spirit, the times where they had a genocide of our people,” said Patterson.
And from the Santee Sioux Dakota tribe, 12-year-old Evan Bellingham was honored to be named “head boy” for the powwow, and he dreams big.
“I hope to get better at dancing, get better at regalia, learn more about my culture, meet new people…,” said Evan Bellingham, head boy.
A powwow to remember. Until next year, paiko-tan-hiiv, which means in Tataviam, see you later.
