By Roy Cook
Tonight, our American Indian parents came together with the same wonderful enthusiasm as ever. The Soaring Eagles were invited to present a dance workshop for the Mesa College, Society Advancing Chicano and Native American Scientists, SACNAS. At the Soaring Eagles dance workshop it is a non-pressure environment. Everyone received a Mesa College ‘goodie bag’ and appreciative smiles from the campus visitors. We really like it like that. This is the Indian way.
Experienced, contest winners and past head dancers mentor the children in the movement and steps of the American Indian traditional dance. Every mentor cannot make it every week but each week there is always someone that has stepped up to share what each knows of our Indian ways.
Frank Gastellum announced all the dance categories, drum song selections and that the next Soaring Eagle gathering will be back at Ballard center, April 19, 2011, for an informative presentation by the San Diego Unified School District on Youth Suicide prevention.
The blessing tonight is by SCAIR Senior advisor, Randy Edmonds. Tonight, along with baked or fried chicken, there were many tasty treats at the potluck dinner. Also it was a birthday evening with cake and sweet wishes for both birthday boys: Steve Hernandez Jr. and Randy Edmonds.
Remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagle Dance workshop evening feast.
A wise tribal member recently said, “We cannot teach our Indian ways. We need to live them.” These weekly immersions into traditional tribal culture by America’s first peoples allow us to endure and remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence in the San Diego region. Tribal America has brought to this great country certain human values and political ideas that have become ingrained in the American spirit.
American Indian children, friends and family continue to find their way to the Soaring Eagles for traditional songs and good company. We invite you to bring your children and family to learn the pow wow dance and enjoy the friendship of the gatherings. We are very fortunate to have a location to gather at and live our Indian ways. We are fortunate to have volunteers to share their dance and song experience and very fortunate to have children eager to have a good time doing Indian things.
For more Soaring Eagle information:
Vickie Gambala
San Diego Unified School District Title VII Indian Education Program
Harold J. Ballard Parent Center
2375 Congress St San Diego, CA 92110
vgambala@sandi.net
619-293-4427
For Soaring Eagle performance - Parent committee Contact:
Abel Jacome - 619-454-4951 or Email:bigabes64@yahoo.com
San Diego Soaring Eagle stories and American Indian calendar events can be seen 7/24 on the web:americanindiansource.com
April 16 & 17
13th Annual Chumash Day Powwow & Inter Tribal Gathering
Traditional Powwow honoring the Chumash, the original settlers in beautiful Malibu.
Sat - 11am to 7pm and Sun -10am to 5pm
Powwow location overlooks Pacific Ocean. Free event, free parking. Native foods, art & crafts, education, and more.
Malibu Bluffs Park- 24250 PacificCoastHighway, Malibu, CA.
For vendor information contact Kristin at (310) 456-2489 ext. 350
http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/index.cfm/fuseaction/nav/navid/329/
April 23-24
26th Annual UCLA Contest Powwow
UCLA- North Athletic Field
Sunset Blvd and Westwood Plaza - Parking $10
2nd Annual Miss UCLA Powwow Princess Pageant, Easter Egg Hunt!!
All dancers and singers welcome! All arts and crafts vendors welcome!
AISA at UCLA
April 22, 23 & 24
ASU 25th Annual Contest pow wow
Arizona State University’s Hayden Lawn, Tempe, AZ
10:00am 13,000 attendees expected.
** Estimated start time — Please confirm **
May 7& 8 - Mothers Day
American Indian Culture Days in Balboa Park. Contact: Indian Human Resource Center, IHRC, 619-281-5964 or elist@IHRC.sdcoxmail.com
June 4
Soaring Eagle Old Town pow wow
Ballard Center playground
San Diego, California
Click here for Flier