Morongo Tribe Celebrates 34th Annual Powwow

A three day powwow hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians
begins today and is expected to attract 30,000 visitors to Cabazon for a range
of competitions and celebrations.
  

The tribe's 34th annual ``Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow'' is
scheduled this weekend Sept. 26 to Sept. 28 at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa,
49500 Seminole Drive in Cabazon.
  

``There are no 'spectators' at a Pow Wow,'' reads the tribe's public
invitation. ``All who attend are regarded as participants. Each one of us has a
place in the circle of people. Within this circle there is no beginning and no
end. This coming together is at the heart of the traditional Pow Wow.''
  

Along with thousands of spectators, the event ``will welcome 900
dancers and 20 drum groups from across the U.S. and Canada,'' according to a
tribal statement.
  

``This free family-friendly event invites the public to experience
Native American culture through traditional dance, music, food and art,'' the
tribe stated.
  

Among the planned activities are bird song and traditional dance contests.
  

``The bird songs and dances of the Cahuilla Indians chronicle the
experiences and responses of the Cahuilla people as they migrated south,''
according to the event announcement.
  

Drum calls will be held daily, beginning with the opening ceremonies
on the evening of Friday, Sept. 26. The following day's events will run from 11
a.m. to midnight, while the closing day, Sunday, Sept. 28, will run from 11
a.m. to 6 p.m.
  

There will be a marketplace featuring Native American edibles and
wares, along with peon games and a ``color guard grand entry,'' according to
the tribe.
  

``The grand entry is a Native American tradition that signifies the
opening of each Powwow session,'' the tribe said. ``During the grand entry,
dancers and drummers can score points for competition based on regalia,
performance and other categories.''
  

More information is available at http://www.morongopowwow.com/.
  

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