Pow Wows are celebrations of Native American culture and heritage. Originally, they were held in the spring to welcome the new beginnings of life. It was a time when people gathered together to visit with family, to sing, dance, gamble and to renew old friendships and make new ones. In this setting, young people had the opportunity to meet and court. In the old days, “Pow Wows” had religious significance as well. Families held their naming and honoring ceremonies during these times. For mid-western tribes, the celebration was also a prayer to the one called in Lakota language Wakan Tanka the Great Mystery or Great Spirit.  According to some historians, the word “Pow Wow” comes from the Algonquin tribe’s language for a meeting of medicine men or spiritual leaders. In the Algonquin tradition, Pow Wows were held for healing and success in hunting and battle. Other historians believe “Pow Wow” is an Anglo-Saxon interpretation derived from the Massachusetts Indian word “pauwau”, which referred to tribal and family councils held for decision-making and dispute resolution. In colonial America, white settlers misapplied the word “Pow Wow” to any gathering of Indian people. During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the United States government attempted to repress native culture and traditions. Many non-Indians believed that Indian culture had to be destroyed because it was the complete opposite of what they saw as “civilization.” As East Coast tribes were moved further westward across the United States, through the government policy of relocation, their customs spread to other tribes with whom they came in contact. Gatherings of Indian peoples began to reflect the traditions and celebrations of a number of tribes. Today, Pow Wows are very much a part of the lives of modern Native Americans. They bring many tribes together in a social and festive atmosphere. An estimated 90 percent of Native Americans attend Pow Wows. They can be found in every state of the union, including Hawaii. Beginning in May each year, thousands of Indians and visitors travel the “powwow circuit,” a series of summer events that originated more than fifty years ago. They are held on Indian reservations, in civic centers, fairgrounds, public parks and gymnasiums across the country. Many dancers and singers earn their entire livelihood during a season on the circuit. Talented Native American artists and food  concessionaires make their living through Pow Wows, and others receive fees as arena directors or announcers.

The 20th Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Pow Wow
September 24th, 25th, 26th, 2010
-Official Site-
-Schedule-
-Directions-

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
49500 Seminole Dr.
Cabazon, California 92230
Phone: (800) 252-4499

Hope to see you there!