Native American dancers, singers offer preview of upcoming San Manuel Pow Wow

HIGHLAND, Calif. (KABC) — Native Americans across the Inland Empire are getting ready for the San Manuel Pow Wow, which honors their traditions and spirituality through sounds, motion and art.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will host its 29th Pow Wow later this month. On Monday at the Yaamava Resort and Casino in Highland, more than a dozen performers, artists, singers and dancers held an exhibition showcasing some of what can be expected at the upcoming event.

“It’s one of the biggest (pow wows) on the West Coast, and we have so many championship dancers and drummers,” said tribal member Shila Chacon, whose father started the San Manuel Pow Wow nearly thirty years ago.

“My dad was huge on culture preservation. That was his main focus; just making sure that not only we grow up in it, but our children grow up in it,” Chacon said.

Monday’s performance lasted for nearly 90 minutes and began with traditional native American birdsong. Various performers then took the stage, many of them dressed in colorful traditional regalia, adorned with lavish details.

“Our songs have a lot of different meanings. There’s prayer songs and welcome songs,” said Chacon, who expects thousands of visitors to participate in the upcoming pow wow, including tribal members from all across the country.

“It’s become a way for us to get together and celebrate our culture,” Chacon said.

The San Manuel Pow Wow runs from Sept. 19 to 21 at Cal State San Bernardino, with dancing, singing, food and crafts.