SOARING EAGLE DANCERS

San Diego Soaring Eagles stories are brought to you by Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR.

Soaring Eagles Gather in Harmony

By Roy Cook

The Soaring Eagle dance workshop October 18, 2011 is settling in back at Ballard Parent Center in Old Town. This evening we had two drums to sing traditional Indian songs and Frank Gastelum Emceed and mentored the children as they danced traditional dance categories. This was a good night, good food and good songs.

It is in the traditional experience of participatory democracy that we hear from an elder what the situation is and what the community needs to do at that time. The pot luck meal response is community empowerment in action and we felt very good that there is also harmony and balance, in the dance circle, where it should be.

Some still have not opened their Email or ‘found’ the printed copy of the winter Soaring Eagle schedule. I will continue to print it past the Holidays.

SOARING EAGLE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE, 6:30-8:30pm: Oct. Nov. Dec., 2011 (Note: not all are on Wednesday! See you and your family and remember to bring the pot luck dishes too.)

Monday, October 24, 2011 Great pumpkin costume time!

Wednesday, November 2, Tuesday, 29, 2011

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Soaring Eagle things are mostly back on track. As it was pointed out by Randy Edmonds, SCAIR Senior Advisor gave the blessing for the evening Soaring Eagle meal. He also said, at the Soaring Eagle dance workshop October 18, 2011,” It is good to see so many bring in a pot of something to share with the community. Back home some will come with a container to take back home a meal or goodies. He is speaking to our tribal tradition of sharing with the community. It is very important, without outside organization support for the food, to remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles evening feast. It is our Indian way to share with the whole community”

We invite you to bring your children and family to learn by observation and participation, a traditional way. There were new faces tonight, October 18, 2011 but there were also many who did not make it or were confused or were not feeling too well on one of our foggy nights of the San Diego bay.

We feel that many San Diego American Indian pow wow trails lead to the Old Town location and the Soaring Eagles:

San Diego Unified School District, SDUSD.

Harold J. Ballard Parent Center.

2375 Congress St
San Diego, CA 92110

The SDUSD parent committee person available to represent the Soaring Eagles with the SDUSD is now Estelle Fisher.

Everyone is welcome to attend the dance workshop. The Indian children are our priority and our Indian culture future. Come on down for the pow wow dance, music and also enjoy the friendship of the gatherings.

For Soaring Eagle performance information:

Remember, state your expectations completely and that honorariums and perks are a part of the value of the Soaring Eagle performance group and are negotiated by our performance coordinator.

Abel Jacome – 619-454-4951

Email: bigabes64@yahoo.com

San Diego Pow wow Events:

Oct 22 & 23
1st Annual Harvest Gathering
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
Rosemead Blvd
S El Monte, Ca
Info: Mary Iron Elk @ (562) 972-1140

Nov 3&4
Indian Studies 35th Anniversary

Tribute at SDSU
Click Here for Flier

Nov 5 & 6
Annual Sejat Spirit Powwow
Heritage Park
Santa Fe Springs, Ca
More Info Click Here

Nov 5 & 6
20th Annual Southern Paiute Veterans Powwow
Moapa Paiute Indian Reservation
Las Vegas, NV
Info: (702) 656-6828
More Info Click Here

Nov 11- VETERANS DAY
11-11-11 Matayum in Old Town
A Gathering of the First People
Click Here for Flier

Nov 12
5th Annual NA Heritage Month Community Powwow
Rosemead High School
9063 E Mission Dr
Rosemead, Ca

Nov 13

This Native American Flute (NAF) Mission Trails event: 1-4pm is a benefit performance for SE because we do not charge the public to come to these events. We do these events to promote the beauty and healing/spiritual effects of this wonderful instrument.

Nov 12 & 13
10th Annual UCI Powwow
UC Irvine Campus, Mesa Court Field
Irvine, Ca
Info: Cheyenne Reynoso (714) 588-1912
More Info Click Here

San Diego Soaring Eagles stories are brought to you by Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR.

Soaring Eagle Back on Track

By Roy Cook

After our summer classes in Balboa park the Soaring Eagle dance workshop October 12, 2011 is back at Ballard Parent Center in Old Town. This evening we sang traditional Indian songs and the children danced traditional dances and all was right in our San Diego American Indian pow wow dance world. We felt very good that there is harmony and balance, in the dance circle, where it should be. Many of our other familiar features were in place.

SOARING EAGLE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE: Oct. Nov. Dec., 2011 (Note: not all are on Wednesday! See you and your family and remember to bring the pot luck dishes too.)

October 18, 24, 2011

November 2, 29, 2011

December 7, 2011

There is a built in risk every time we change a set routine. Now that we are back at the Ballard center Soaring Eagle things are mostly back on track. As it was pointed out by Randy Edmonds, SCAIR Senior Advisor, at the Soaring Eagle dance workshop October 12, 2011 said,” It is very important, without outside organization support for the food, to remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles evening feast. It is our Indian way to share with the whole community” Randy also gave the blessing for the evening Soaring Eagle meal.

Vickie Gambala said, “We need the parent committee to take a very direct and active role in many of the responsibilities. With the retirement of Ms Vickie Gambala, the SDUSD parent committee person available to help the Soaring Eagles is now Estelle Fisher. Vickie also said we need to think of the Indian children.

We invite you to bring your children and family to learn by observation and participation, a traditional way. There were new faces tonight, October 12, 2011 but there were also many who did not make it or were confused or were not feeling too well on one of the most beautiful of the San Diego Fall days, 80 warm degrees!

Come on down for the pow wow dance, music and also enjoy the friendship of the gatherings. We feel that many San Diego American Indian pow wow trails lead to the Old Town location and the Soaring Eagles:

Harold J. Ballard Parent Center.

2375 Congress St
San Diego, CA 92110

Everyone is welcome to attend the dance workshop. The Indian children are our priority and our Indian culture future.

For Soaring Eagle performance information:

Remember, state your expectations completely and that honorariums and perks are a part of the value of the Soaring Eagle performance group and are negotiated by our performance coordinator.

Abel Jacome – 619-454-4951

Email: bigabes64@yahoo.com

San Diego Pow wow Events:

Oct 22 & 23
1st Annual Harvest Gathering
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
Rosemead Blvd
S El Monte, Ca
Info: Mary Iron Elk @ (562) 972-1140

Nov 3&4
Indian Studies 35th Anniversary SDSU
Click Here for Flier

Nov 5 & 6
Annual Sejat Spirit Powwow
Heritage Park
Santa Fe Springs, Ca
More Info Click Here

Nov 5 & 6
20th Annual Southern Paiute Veterans Powwow
Moapa Paiute Indian Reservation
Las Vegas, NV
Info: (702) 656-6828
More Info Click Here

Nov 11
11-11-11 Matayum in Old Town
A Gathering of the First People
Click Here for Flier

Nov 12
5th Annual NA Heritage Month Community Powwow
Rosemead High School
9063 E Mission Dr
Rosemead, Ca

Nov 13

Native American Flute (NAF) Mission Trails event:
1-4pm is a benefit performance for SE because we do not
charge the public to come to these events. We do these
events to promote the beauty and healing/spiritual effects
of this wonderful instrument.

Nov 12 & 13
10th Annual UCI Powwow
UC Irvine Campus, Mesa Court Field
Irvine, Ca
Info: Cheyenne Reynoso (714) 588-1912
More Info Click Here

San Diego Soaring Eagles stories are brought to you by Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR.

Soaring Eagles Adjust to the Season

By Roy Cook

Soaring Eagle dance workshop feels the chill of the winter season. October showers in the city and on East county activities too. The Southern Indian Health Wellness conference had some very informative break-out sessions on topical issues in our American Indian community. Many Soaring Eagle parents attended.

Historically Tribal America has been a major influence in the political and ethical basis of this great country. We can document influential human values, cultural lifestyles and political ideas that have become ingrained in the national American spirit.

We continually look forward to experienced, contest winners and past head dancers to mentor the children in the movement and steps of the American Indian traditional dance. These weekly immersions into traditional tribal culture and participation in public American Indian gatherings allow us to endure and remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence in the San Diego region. We are fortunate to have volunteers to share their dance and song experience and truly blessed to have children eager to have a good time doing Indian things.

We invite you to bring your children and family to learn by observation and participation, a traditional way, the pow wow dance, music and also enjoy the friendship of the gatherings.

October 12, 2011

November 2, 9, 2011

December 7, 2011

San Diego American Indian pow wow trails lead to the Old Town, Harold J. Ballard Parent Center.

2375 Congress St
San Diego, CA 92110

Also, remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles evening feast. Everyone is welcome to attend the dance workshops.

For more information: Vickie Gambala: Soaring Eagles founder and organizer

vgambala@sandi.net

619-293-4427

Soaring Eagle performance contact:

Abel Jacome – 619-454-4951

or Email: bigabes64@yahoo.com

San Diego and regional Pow wow Events:

Oct 7 - 9
San Manuel Annual Powwow
Cal State Univ, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, Ca
Info: (909) 425-3450
More Info Click Here

Oct 22 & 23
1st Annual Harvest Gathering
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
Rosemead Blvd
S El Monte, Ca
Info: Mary Iron Elk @ (562) 972-1140

Nov 5 & 6
Annual Sejat Spirit Powwow
Heritage Park
Santa Fe Springs, Ca
More Info Click Here

Nov 5 & 6
20th Annual Southern Paiute Veterans Powwow
Moapa Paiute Indian Reservation
Las Vegas, NV
Info: (702) 656-6828
More Info Click Here

San Diego Old Town

Nov 12
5th Annual NA Heritage Month Community Powwow
Rosemead High School
9063 E Mission Dr
Rosemead, Ca

Nov 12 & 13
10th Annual UCI Powwow
UC Irvine Campus, Mesa Court Field
Irvine, Ca
Info: Cheyenne Reynoso (714) 588-1912
More Info Click Here

San Diego Soaring Eagles stories are brought to you by Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR.

Soaring Eagle Back at Ballard

By Roy Cook

Soaring Eagle dance workshops Sept. 14, 2011 is back at Ballard Parent Center in Old Town. We invite you to bring your children and family to learn by observation and participation, a traditional way. Come on down for the pow wow dance, music and also enjoy the friendship of the gatherings.

We sang and the children danced and all was right in our world. There is Harmony and balance where it should be. Many of our other familiar features were in place: The hospitality of the SCAIR sponsored community feast, SCAIR tutor, Jeanne Alvarado and the graded reading books-My New School and September 11, Remember.

The SDUSD Title VII Parents committee and concerned community members met in room 3 for discussion and questions for the administrator and superintendent about the Title VII Indian Education program since the retirement of Vickie Gambala.

After the Pala, Barona and Sycuan pow wows (Enjoy the images of these events again.) we feel that many San Diego American Indian pow wow trails lead to the Old Town location and the Soaring Eagles:

Harold J. Ballard Parent Center.

2375 Congress St
San Diego, CA 92110

Also, remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles evening feast. Everyone is welcome to attend the dance workshop. The Indian children are our future.

For Soaring Eagle performance information:

Remember, state your expectations completely and that honorariums and perks are a part of the value of the Soaring Eagle performance group and are negotiated by our performance coordinator:

Abel Jacome-619-454-4951

bigabes64@Yahoo.com

Soaring Eagle information:

Vickie Gambala 619-306-7318

San Diego Pow wow Events:

Sept. 17-18, 2011
Soboba Pow wow
Click here for Info

Sept 24-25, 2011
Morongo Pow wow
Click here for Info

By Roy Cook

It is that time of the season when everything is in balance. It is a time of harmony and equinox. This is a beautiful Sycuan day. This is a beautiful night. There is a magnificent moon in the sky over Sycuan. Hold this vision of beauty and picture also the most beautiful people on this hemisphere. Native American, Indian, Indigina, Ipai, Tipai, Kumeyaay, Luiseno, Cupa, Cahuilla and many other Tribes were represented. This annual gathering is the platform for many other events culminating this summer weekend pow wow: September 9, 10, 11, 2011. A major focus is the traditional occasion for the summer Tribal culture, art, music, games and introduction to new and familiar friends. Around the arena international and local elders are respectfully accessible. This is tribal self determination in action. It is a celebration promoting trial pride, hospitality and generosity. This is part of the continuing saga that is the local Kumeyaay Tribal custom and tradition.

Much of this Sycuan celebration has a local Kumeyaay prominence. Throughout the day from the raising of the Veterans’ memorial flags, the evening activities and into the late night there are presentations of local Bird singing and opportunities for Peon, traditional gaming. Additionally, there are constant shuttles for those who would like to visit the Sycuan Tribal Casino.

The Southern California and River Bird songs are thousands of years old. Yet, I believe, Sycuan was the first to host a public Bird dance completion. Not too many years ago, social opportunities to enjoy these songs were mostly at Fiestas or ‘by invitation only’ gatherings. Sadly, too often I have over heard comments on Bird Singing from outside observers to the Tipai-Kumeyaay culture, “They are all chants and sound alike.” also “They just go back and forth, over and over.” Yet, to the informed, these songs are a sweet sophistication of multiple related songs. The lead singer may or may not elect to bring out double step, or triple step songs, spins, turns. Facing the Singers the dancers will often assemble, mostly female, and guided by the gourd rattle and song join in the presentation. The dancing is often inspired by the moment and song selection of the lead singer.

Also, before the pow wow begins is the Warriors’ Western Gourd dance. There was a splendid representation in the Western Gourd Dance by: the Golden State Gourd Society, Arizona Gourd Society and American Indian Warriors Association.  In the arena the dancers are veterans of many military combat conflicts: World War Two, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and many other more recent and current conflicts. Glorious Gourd dance songs were sung from the side of the circle. This is a very emotional experience and truly special each time we enter this Gourd Dance circle.

Each day there were four eagle staffs at the grand entry of the pow wow. Three were visible and carried by selected respected elders, Saginaw Grant and Danny Tucker, Sycuan Tribal Chairman. The fourth was over head carried by our ancestors; hovering and constantly vigilant, like the eagle, looking out for the people.

The Sycuan Head staff selected for this year are: Walter Ahhaitty, Arena director, John Lorentz, Head Dance judge also MJ Bull Bear Head Dance judge, Luke Whiteman, Head drum judge, Head ‘lame dog joke teller’ Dennis Bowen, Master of ceremonies.

Head dancers: Randy Edmonds, Head Gourd dancer, Clifton Goodwill, Head Northern Man dancer, Nitanis Kit Large, Head Northern Woman dancer, Lewis Perkins, Head Southern Man dancer, Raytava Lynne Yazzie, Head Southern Women dancer, BJ Jackson, Head Young Man dancer, Rachel Landry, Head Young Women dancer.  Beautiful songs came from the Host Northern drum, Bad Nation and the Host Southern drum, Thunder Hill.

Sycuan pow wow attendees have a free seat at our finest entertainment in the modern Native American pow wow world. This is a premier event, a gem in the crown of Southern California: the public is welcome, free hosted presentations of American Indian diversity and traditional culture.

The Sycuan Tribal Elders said it best, “Our culture is the driving force and foundation of our existence. It is a way of life that is our obligation to pass on to our children and grandchildren. We are humbled to welcome the many dancers and artisans that have traveled many miles to be here with us. We are especially happy to extend this welcome to the many visitors that have never experienced our pow wow before.

With respect to our people, our land and our traditions, enjoy this weekend as you make new friends and memories. Finally, we hope that you will carry in your heart a piece of our sacred ways that you may share with your children. Mai’ha mepasho. Ahan kanam. E’Yaay a’han! Pii’wa!”

May the Creator guide and protect you always. Have a safe journey. Thank you! Blessing!

By Roy Cook

The Soaring Eagles look forward to the summer pow wow season and our local Reservations host some of the best. This weekend the Barona band sponsors a long appreciated competition pow wow. Participants from many states and Canada attend yearly. We hope you enjoy these images of the 41st annual pow wow and the Soaring Eagles dancing and our happy competition winners: Vanessa Franco, ‘BJ’, Ricky Garcia, Melda Cadotte, Mason Bichity, Ramon Montero and Nikita Bichity.

The Barona band has been a leader in inter-tribal celebrations of dance, music and culture. As an early member of the Pacific Coast Indian Club, along with Wilbur Solomon-President this was our annual pow wow location. I highly recommend this fine presentation by Barona band member, Ms Laurie Phoenix. It is worth a look and it has a YouTube video.

“This year marks the 41st year of the Barona Powwow. While the first Powwow on the Barona reservation was held in 1970, it is thought that the idea for our Powwow began in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when a handful of Barona Tribal members belonged to a group called Pacific Coast Indian Club.  It was one of the only Powwows in Southern California and was held at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

A group of Tribal members interested in bringing a Powwow to the San Diego region approached the Barona Tribal leadership and asked if there could be a Powwow at Barona. The Tribe agreed and the first Powwow in this region was hosted at the traditional gathering grounds, which is where the Barona Cultural Center & Museum is located today. What began as a modest gathering has grown into a three-day event with over 300 dancers and 10,000 people historically in attendance.

This year is also very special as the 41st anniversary of the Barona Powwow will be memorialized with a special new exhibit at the Barona Museum & Cultural Center. It opens on September 3.  It will showcase the photos and stories of Barona Powwow’s past including highlights of the Powwow Princesses, Little Hawk dancers, the differences between southern vs. northern dance styles and the history of this Pan-Indian tradition. Everyone is invited to attend and admission to the museum is free.

If you haven’t had a chance to go to a Powwow yet, I’d strongly encourage you to come out and visit.  There is incredible beauty and pageantry on display at the Powwow and it offers an amazing look back into our nation’s history and where it’s headed. Tribal dancers of all ages will be dressed in colorful, traditional regalia featuring decoration such as bustles, buckskin, deerskin and small metallic cones.  And, they will compete for more than $60,000 in cash prizes.

In addition to the incredible dancing, you can enjoy Native American singing and drumming.  You will also find dozens of vendors selling some our favorite foods such as fry bread and Indian tacos.”

http://blog.barona.com/category/events/

This Barona pow wow’s Soaring Eagle participation is also a fine reflection of the devotion and dedication of Ms Vickie Gambala. Sadly, one of our Soaring Eagle mentor’s relations attending, from out of state, passed away. We ask you to keep the family in your prayers.

The Soaring Eagle program is all about the children. This quality is evident in the initiative, joy, pride of tribal identity and participation from beginning to end of the parents and children of the Soaring Eagles.

Thank you all for being there and to Abel Jacome, Hilda Fuentes and Angela Wyatt for the posted pictures. To all, Mehan and Aho.

By Roy Cook

This year continues to be a very busy time for the Soaring Eagles. Most recently, August 25, 2011, they performed at Admiral Baker Field for a very large group of receptive youth and adults. They were a special group with many attendants and were residents of Stein Education Center 501 C program for disable adults and many other facilities around the area. The Soaring Eagle singers sang for a beautiful youngest jingle dancer. American Indian Warriors Association contributed a fine flute presentation by AIWA President, William Buchanan. He also brought in the stars and stripes in the Pala Grand entry.

This weekday presentation was followed by a fun-filled pow wow weekend at Pala. Many Soaring Eagles were winners in the dance categories. Congratulations to all that attended and especially for the proud SE winners!

Soaring Eagle dance workshops Sept. 14, 2011 move back to Ballard Parent Center in Old Town. We invite you to bring your children and family to learn by observation and participation, a traditional way. Come on down for the pow wow dance, music and also enjoy the friendship of the gatherings.

San Diego American Indian pow wow trails lead to the Old Town, Harold J. Ballard Parent Center.
2375 Congress St
San Diego, CA 92110

Also, remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles evening feast. Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information: Vickie Gambala — 619-306-7318
vgambala@cox.net

San Diego Pow wow Events:

Sep 2 - 4
Barona Pow Wow
Friday - Sunday
Ball Field behind Rec. Center,
Barona Indian Reservation, Lakeside, Calif. (619) 443-6612
Click here for Flier

Sept 9, 10 & 11
22 Annual Sycuan Pow wow
5459 Sycuan Rd, El Cajon, CA
Contact Julie La Brake 619 445-7776
Click here for Flier

Sept 24
Morongo Pow wow

San Diego Soaring Eagle stories are brought to you by Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR.

Soaring Eagles: Summer Story Time and Song

By Roy Cook

The SDAIHC Youth program Inter-generational evening, in conjunction with the Soaring Eagle dance workshop at Laurel and 6th Ave. Tuesday night August 23, 2011. This evening is again under the stars at 5:30pm by the big tree and still in the Balboa Park. Some arrived early to select a favorite place to set up their chairs. Others trickled in from other summer activities. Tonight the SDAIHC Youth program and Soaring Eagle organization gathered together slowly and as a result the summer weather was a bit cooler this evening. But in spite of different and more faces around the circle the joy of the gathering was evident in the younger dancers’ eyes. At full force this evening there were over 100 community Elders members: Joe Buffer - Director of the San Diego American Indian Health Center, Paula Brim - Chairperson for the SDAIHC, David Gloria - Board member of the SDAIHC, Frank Gastelum - Chairperson for the Soaring Eagles, Abel Jacome - Event Coordinator, John Hood, Chuck Cadotte - Coordinator for the Soaring Eagles and Richard Orvedal - Regalia Coordinator for the males of the Soaring Eagles. These along with SDAIHC Youth Center families and children were enjoying the SDAIHC Youth Center and Soaring Eagle Workshop in the park.

SDAIHC Youth program storytellers: Richard Orvedal, Chuck Cadotte, and Frank Gastelum related traditional creation stories from their regions and Tribe that were most familiar.

The Soaring Eagle dance singers’ voluntary personal satisfaction is to see our Indian Children dancing joyfully on the green grass of Mother Earth. We singers, of the Green River and San Diego Intertribal drums, can see that our Indian ways will continue to flourish and live as long as these songs of our Grandfathers live in their hearts.

These weekly Soaring Eagles immersions into traditional tribal culture and participation in public American Indian SDAIHC Youth Center gatherings allow us to endure and remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence in the San Diego region. We are fortunate to have volunteers to share their dance and song experience and truly blessed to have these children eager to have a good time doing Indian things. This event was coordinated by the SDAIHC Youth Center Director - Christopher Scott and staff, Carrie Gloria - Chairperson for the San Diego Unified School District, Indian Education Program, and Vickie Gambala, Director for the Soaring Eagles Families.

Also tonight, SCAIR tutor, Jeannie Alvarado again brought skill level pamphlets on the daily life: An Apple a Day, nutritional primer and Lotsa Pasta, introduction food and culture primer. Vickie Gambala invited everyone to stop by the information table to register and pick up the latest community flyers and the Soaring Eagles schedule.  Vickie would like to remind everyone to complete their regalia information form and to up date their regalia information with  her and Leo Thompson.

Our hosted SDAIHC Youth program and Soaring Eagle evening feast and the pot luck dishes made for a good, scrumptious meal: raw vegetables, fresh pinto beans, mole, panzit, adobo, 3 variations of chicken, 3 servings of rice, fruit cocktail, donuts, cookies and many choices of drinks. We sincerely appreciate our friends and families potluck support and encourage greater participation and goodies. Debbie Razo and SDAIHC Youth Center helpers served up the SDAIHC Youth program and SCAIR sponsored Soaring Eagle potluck feast for the hungry and happy attendees. The special cooks for the evening were Daniel, Missy, Debbie and Paul Camacho. Additionally, there are three birthdays this evening: Queenabella Fisher, Jenifer Garcia and Eli Serrano. The chocolate cake and frosting was to kill for good!

Simply by looking around at the families, our views of the parents and children are constantly inspiring. What we see most clearly until twilight are the bright smiles and eager faces of the children attending this SDAIHC Youth program and Soaring Eagle night in the park dance workshops.

Due to the up coming events and powwows:
Pala, Barona and Sycuan,  the “American Indian “Community Night” at the Normal Heights Community Center this Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 6:00 pm (Sponsored by the SDAIHC and the Soaring Eagles), the Viejas Traditional Gathering  held this weekend at Viejas, and of course, the parents need extra time to get their children ready to go back to school, I was informed that this is the final ‘Balboa park’ Soaring Eagle summer dance workshops from now to Sept. 14, 2011 when we move back to Ballard Parent Center in Old Town. We invite you to bring your children and family to learn by observation and participation, a traditional way, the pow wow dance, music and also enjoy the friendship of the gatherings.

Also, remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles evening feast. Again, everyone is welcome to attend the dance workshops.

Soaring Eagle performance contact:

Abel Jacome – 619-454-4951

Email: bigabes64@yahoo.com

For general information call: Vickie Gambala — 619-306-7318
Email vgambala@cox.net

San Diego Region Pow wow and Cultural Events:

Aug 26, 27 & 28
Pala Pow wow and Peon Tournament
4th Annual Honoring Traditions Powwow
Pala, Ca
Click here for Flier

Aug 27

Viejas Traditional Gathering
Viejas Birdsingers Gathering and Peon Games
Alpine, CA
Click here for Flier

Sep 2 - 4
Barona Pow Wow
Ball Field behind Rec. Center,
BaronaIndian Reservation, Lakeside, Calif. (619) 443-6612
Click here for Flier

San Diego Soaring Eagle stories are brought to you by Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR.

Soaring Eagles: Summer Time in the Slow Lane

By Roy Cook

The Soaring Eagle dance workshop, Tuesday night August 16, 2011, under the stars. Some arrived early to select a favorite place to set up their chairs. Others trickled in from other competing summer activities. Tonight the Soaring Eagle organization gathered together slowly and as a result the summer weather was a bit cooler this evening. But in spite of fewer faces around the circle the joy of the gathering was evident in the younger dancers’ eyes. At full force this evening there were over 100 community members, families and children enjoying the Soaring Eagle Workshop in the park.

The Soaring Eagle dance singers’ voluntary personal satisfaction is to see our Indian Children dancing joyfully on the green grass of Mother Earth. We singers, of the Green River and San Diego Intertribal drums, can see that our Indian ways will continue to flourish and live as long as these songs of our Grandfathers live in their hearts.

These weekly immersions into traditional tribal culture and participation in public American Indian gatherings allow us to endure and remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence in the San Diego region. We are fortunate to have volunteers to share their dance and song experience and truly blessed to have these children eager to have a good time doing Indian things.

Also tonight, SCAIR tutor, Jeannie Alvarado again brought skill level pamphlets on the life: In the sea for younger readers and Forensic scientists at work for advanced readers. I enjoyed the reference to Sherlock Holmes and his stories.

Our hosted fried chicken evening feast and the pot luck dishes made for a good, fulfilling and thankful meal. We sincerely appreciate our friends and families potluck support and encourage greater participation and goodies. Debbie Razo served up the SCAIR sponsored Soaring Eagle potluck feast for the hungry and happy attendees. Woody’s son, Charlie was the birthday boy tonight. Yummy cupcakes and frosted cake.

There were pow wow activity announcements by Jennifer Gastelum this evening and a reminder that next week the Soaring Eagles will meet, for an Inter-generational evening at Laurel and 6^th Ave. 5:30pm, still in the Balboa Park. Chuck Cadotte also reminded us of recent losses of: family members and elders. Some that have passed were recalled by association and fewer by name.

Simply by looking around at the families, our views of the parents and children are constantly inspiring. What we see most clearly are the bright smiles and eager faces of the children attending this Soaring Eagle night in the park dance workshops.

Everyone is welcome to attend the ‘Balboa park’ Soaring Eagle (6-8:30pm) summer dance workshops from now to Sept. 14, 2011. We invite you to bring your children and family to learn by observation and participation, a traditional way, the pow wow dance, music and also enjoy the friendship of the gatherings.

Also, remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles evening feast. Again, everyone is welcome to attend the ‘in the park’ dance workshops.

Soaring Eagle performance contact:

Abel Jacome – 619-454-4951

Email: bigabes64@yahoo.com

For general information call: Vickie Gambala — 619-306-7318

San Diego Region Pow wow and Cultural Events:

Aug 26, 27 & 28
Pala Pow wow and Peon Tournament
4th Annual Honoring Traditions Powwow
Pala, Ca
Click here for Flier

Aug 27

Viejas Traditional Gathering
Viejas Birdsingers Gathering and Peon Games
Alpine, CA
Click here for Flier

Sep 2 - 4
Barona Pow Wow
August 31-September 2,
Ball Field behind Rec. Center, Barona
Indian Reservation, Lakeside, Calif. (619) 443-6612
Click here for Flier

San Diego Soaring Eagle stories are brought to you by Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR.

Soaring Eagles See Dog Days

By Roy Cook

This Tuesday night, August 9, 2011, under the stars, the Soaring Eagle dance workshop points of light are again totally unpredictable. But they brightly shine as the evening stars twinkle.

Our enthusiastic Soaring Eagle families had a winning weekend at Hawaiian Gardens. Jacome family members swept a number of special competitions. They and the Cadottes, AIWA and Ramon all represented San Diego proudly.

Tonight the summer weather was a bit cooler at the start of the evening. In spite of fewer faces in the circle the summer joy was evident in the younger dancers’ eyes. Also, SCAIR tutor, Jeannie Alvarado brought skill level pamphlets on the story of denim jeans and of Bear and Kangaroo for younger readers.

The SCAIR information table has updated powwow flyers, Soaring Eagles schedules, upcoming events for the Soaring Eagles, local traditional gatherings, and the registration forms for everyone who attends the Soaring Eagles and the new regalia forms that need to be completed by everyone who attends the workshops.

In earlier times, when the night sky was not obscured by artificial lights and smog, different groups of peoples in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. The images drawn were dependent upon the culture: The regional Tribes of Native Americans see different images and name them in their individual languages than the Europeans. These European star pictures are now called constellations and their names come from our fanciful European ancestors.

They saw images of bears, (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins, (Gemini), a bull, (Taurus), and others, including dogs, (Canis Major and Canis Minor).

To them the brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it. Look for it in the southern sky (viewed from northern latitudes) during January.

In the summer, however, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, “dog days” from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, after the Dog Star, Sirius.

The conjunction of Sirius with the sun varies somewhat with latitude. And the “precession of the equinoxes” (a gradual drifting of the constellations over time) means that the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome. Today, dog days occur during the period between July 3 and August 11.

This evening has a number of heartfelt emotions and announcements of recently losses of: friends, family members and elders. Some were recalled by association and fewer by name. Our prayers and assistance in support was called upon this evening. It was, as I said, an unpredictable evening.

Our dance singers of the Green River and San Diego Intertribal drums voluntary personal satisfaction is to see our Indian Children dancing joyfully on the green grass of Mother Earth. We can see that our Indian ways will continue to flourish and live as long as these songs of our Grandfathers live in their hearts.

Further, at the Soaring Eagles, we continually look forward to experienced, contest winners and past head dancers to mentor the children in the movements and steps of the American Indian traditional dance. These weekly immersions into traditional tribal culture and participation in public American Indian gatherings allow us to endure and remain a vital cultural, political, social, and moral presence in the San Diego region. We are fortunate to have volunteers to share their dance and song experience and truly blessed to have these children eager to have a good time doing Indian things.

Our hosted hot dogs and fried chicken evening feast and the pot luck dishes made for a good, fulfilling and thankful meal. Debbie Razo served up the SCAIR sponsored Soaring Eagle feast for the hungry and happy attendees.

Simply by looking around at the families, our views of the parents and children are constantly inspiring. What we see most clearly are the bright smiles and eager faces of the children attending this Soaring Eagle night in the park dance workshops.

Everyone is welcome to attend the ‘Balboa park’ Soaring Eagle (6-8:30pm) summer dance workshops from now to Sept. 14, 2011. We invite you to bring your children and family to learn by observation and participation, a traditional way, the pow wow dance, music and also enjoy the friendship of the gatherings.

Also, remember to bring a potluck item or side dish for the Soaring Eagles evening feast. Again, everyone is welcome to attend the ‘in the park’ dance workshops.

Soaring Eagle performance contact:

Abel Jacome – 619-454-4951

Email: bigabes64@yahoo.com

For general information call: Vickie Gambala — 619-306-7318
San Diego Region Pow wow and Cultural Events:

Aug 13
Barona Traditional Gathering
Games and Peon Tournament

Aug 26, 27 & 28
Pala Pow wow and Peon Tournament
4th Annual Honoring Traditions Powwow
Pala, Ca
Click here for Flier

Aug 27
Viejas Traditional Gathering
Viejas Birdsingers Gathering and Peon Games
Alpine, CA
Click here for Flier

Sep 2 - 4
Barona Pow Wow
August 31-September 2,
Ball Field behind Rec. Center,
Barona Indian Reservation, Lakeside, Calif. (619) 443-6612
Click here for Flier