Cal State Long Beach’s 51st annual ‘Pow Wow’ highlights Native generations, past and present
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.
Young Gourd dancers participate in the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Thomas “Tomahawk” Parrilla chats about his Native American heritage with Renata Banks of Costa Mesa at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, at Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The Grand Entry kicks off the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, at Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The Grand Entry kicks off the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, at Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dancers parade around the arena during the Grand Entry at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, at Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dancers parade around the arena during the Grand Entry at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, at Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dancers parade around the arena during the Grand Entry at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, at Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
An elder participates in the Grand Entry to kick off the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, at Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees shop for traditional Native American items at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Tribal flags are displayed at the annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. It’s considered the largest and oldest university-based Pow Wow west of the Mississippi. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Elizabeth Kavea of Lakewood visits the vendor area with her Native American Indian Dogs, Shadow and Nokosi, at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators fill the bleachers for the Grand Entry at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Drummers and Gourd dancers take part in the annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. It’s considered the largest and oldest university-based Pow Wow west of the Mississippi. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators fill the bleachers for the Grand Entry at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators fill the bleachers for the Grand Entry at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators watch Gourd dancers at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees shop for traditional Native American items at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Gourd dancers circle the arena at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Gourd dancers circle the arena at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Gourd dancers circle the arena at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Gourd dancers circle the arena at the 51st annual Pow Wow on Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024, on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
“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.