The CSUDH Sculpture Garden hosted a weekend celebration of Native American Indian and indigenous cultures on Apr. 20-21. The 11th annual Pow Wow featured traditional folk dances, songs, and performances from local Tribal nations. Attendees were invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of Native American music and cultural history.
Among the performers at the Pow Wow was the East Los Angeles-based dance group Danza Azteca Xochipilli. For more than three decades, the group has performed to preserve the heritage, history, and traditions of pre-Columbian Mexican culture. One member of the dance group, Huitvi, told The Bulletin that events like the Pow Wow help to keep Aztec traditions alive, especially among the youth.
Huitvi said it was important for local Native American groups to increase their outreach to the youth in their communities and invite them to participate. She recalled that there was one Pow Wow attendee who seemed anxious to start dancing with the group, but eventually joined in on the celebration.
“I feel like we kind of ignite that little spark, too, so that we can continue this tradition,” Huitvi said.
Meanwhile, at the bazaar, attendees browsed a selection of arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, and clothes – all of which were produced by Native American craft makers and artisans. The marketplace also offered an opportunity for vendors to share more about indigenous artwork.
For Dany, another member of the Danza Azteca Xochipilli group, the annual Pow Wow is not only a time of celebration and reflection, but an opportunity for Native American and indigenous communities to express their solidarity.
“I really enjoy the friendships, dances and joy you share with everybody,” Dany said.
The dances in particular, Dany added, symbolized the harmony of all the various traditions and cultures that come together at the Pow Wow every year.
“We have all different kinds of heritage and traditions – the differences we have that just come in all together to something great,” he said. “We all share that energy in our dance, so it’s just putting that energy together.”
