Neighbor News
Native American Powwow chooses California traditional dancer as Head Woman
Gracie Hernandez of the Kitanemuk Nation will lead dancers all weekend at Redbird's 24th annual powwow, June 20 and 21, Oxnard College
Gracie introduces herself in Kitanemuk, followed by English:
ya numuac tamet niuvuiham Gracie Hernandez akikitamnu. (Goode day my relatives, my name is Gracie Hernandez, I live in Bakersfield and I'm Kitanemuk from the Tejon Indian Tribe. My grandparents are Juana and Octavio Escobedo. My parents are Sandra and Jesse Hernandez. I am the youngest of six siblings. I'm a California traditional dancer and enjoy traveling to powwows and gatherings. I'm invested in learning my language and representing my heritage through my dance and regalia. I have learned from and with my family. I thank the community for honoring me with this responsibility to be head woman of the 2026 Redbird's Children of Many Colors Powwow. nihuna numuac miyik puyu.
The 24th annual Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow takes place June 20 and 21 at Oxnard College, 11 AM to 7 PM Saturday and 11 AM to 6 PM Sunday. Parking and admission is free. Please enter from Bard Road. This is an outdoor, family friendly cultural gathering. Vendor spaces are full. No drugs, alcohol, fireworks or firearms allowed. Oxnard College is a smoke and vape free campus. For more information visit RedbirdsVisions.org
