San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians coordinated
their 18th annual Pow Wow on June 14th and June 15th.
They have for hundreds, if not thousands of years, lived in the San Luis Rey
Valley from generation to generation. Their
development and culture is based upon the land that reared them. The Pow Wow is
a unique expression of their culture.
If you have never attended a Pow Wow you may find that
the drums, dances, food and products are part of a unique experience. You won’t
find this style on Rodeo Drive. This is about life through Native American eyes
and their chance to tell their cultural story.
The San Luis Rey Band of Missions has a history much
older than modern day California. The Spanish established the Mission San Luis
Rey only in 1798 as part of the El Camino Real trail. The Pow Wow gives a glimpse
of that life prior to European influence.
Pow Wow’s affords an opportunity for the tribe to
connect and associate with each other and pass on their traditions to the next
generation. Some come and visit their ancestral
lands while others choose to engage in the event as a family reunion.
In today’s world there are six federally recognized San
Luis Rey tribes with their own reservations and one band not yet recognized (1). No one knows for sure what the population size
is. Historians and researchers have put the population ranging from a few
thousand to over ten thousand.
The traditional clothing is a representation of
their unique connection with the land. Native Americans were part of nature and
lived in peace with it. The feathers
have unique symbolism and are badges of honor that represent tribal values (2).
Pow Wow’s also offer the ability for tribal members
to display their crafts, arts, and commerce to the wider public. You will find
skins for decoration, woodwork, jewelry, clothing, blankets and artistic expressions.
Expand your horizons, visit a Pow Wow, and take a piece of history home with
you.
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