Thousands gathered at Cal State Long Beach on Saturday, March 9, to celebrate the college’s 51st Pow Wow.
Native tribes from around the U.S. — including Cherokee, Navajo, Kiowa, Pascua Yaqui, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla and others — were represented in the annual celebration, which spotlights different cultural dances and and traditions. Native artisans showcased their crafts, such as weaving and beadwork.
The theme for this year’s Pow Wow focused on future Native generations, organizers said. With last year’s theme focused on older generations, this year is a passing of the torch in a sense, organizers said. At the event, Cal State Long Beach promoted its Indigenous-focused programs and efforts to support Native students, faculty and staff.
“University education has changed the lives and bettered the lives of many Indigenous people,” said Craig Stone, director of the American Indian Studies program. “So that’s one thing that we are gathered here to encourage our students to graduate and remember and celebrate their traditions and culture.”
“We’re located at a place called Puvungna, the oldest continuously inhabited Gabrielino Tongva sacred site,” Stone said, recognizing the 322-acre campus campus is on Native land.
The community Pow Wow event continues Sunday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Cal State Long Beach Upper Campus Quad, 1250 Bellflower Blvd. in Long Beach. Admission and parking is free. For more information, visit csulb.edu.
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