San Manuel Pow Wow set for Sept. 18-20 at Cal State San Bernardino with free admission

The San Manuel Pow Wow, held annually, was scheduled for Sept. 18-20, a Friday through Sunday, on the athletic fields at Cal State San Bernardino, the university said in an article published Sept. 16.

Admission is free, according to the university, which said the event is billed as among Southern California's largest pow wows.

The pow wow began in 1996, the article said. The university described it as both a celebration and a cultural competition in which participants vie for prizes.

Cash prizes totaling over $250,000 were to be presented by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the university said.

Schedule

Friday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. to midnight. The opening was to include a blessing of the grounds by an elder, then a bird singing and dancing exhibition. Grand Entry was set for 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to midnight. Two grand entries were scheduled, the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 8 p.m. Gourd singing and dancing exhibitions were to come before bird singers and dancers from Southern California tribes opened the afternoon session.

Sunday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The final day's program listed a single Grand Entry, at 1 p.m., along with gourd dancing and bird singing and dancing. Winners were to be announced and prizes awarded that evening, followed by a closing ceremony.

Vendors and food

Vendors were to include over 100 artisans from tribal nations throughout North America, the university said.

Native American foods, including fry bread, were to be sold on all three days, along with fine art and traditional crafts, according to the article.

The event also features drum singing groups, the university said.

The article described the pow wow as open to all and as a place where people from across Indian Country share traditions.

More information

The university pointed readers to the event schedule at socalpowwow.com/event and to powwow@sanmanuel.com for questions.