Pechanga Pow Wow Highlights Age-Old Tradition

Dancing their way around the arena Saturday evening at the 16th Annual Pechanga Pow Wow were hundreds of brightly outfitted Native Americans, giving the public a glimpse of the pride taken in their heritage.

Providing the rhythm were live drummers and singers, performing the songs in the centuries-old manner. Dancers intermittently joined together for inter-tribal dances, while other times it was defined by the age or style of the the dancers.

Dancers' families set up camp in designated areas, enabling a good view of the activities. In between sets, dancers retreated to the tented areas to grab a bite to eat, relax and quench their thirst.

Spectators sat in grandstands set up for the event, or on lawn chairs or blankets, watching in delight.

The Pechanga Pow Wow is one of the largest in the U.S., organizers said. Attendees have been known to exceed 60,000. Natives travel to the gathering from not only the U.S., but Canada and Mexico.

Steven Smith, a 16-year-old fancy dancer from South Dakota, adjusted his regalia (outfit) in preparation for the next leg of the contest. He explained that he travels with his family much of the summer, attending pow wows in Washington, Montana and California.

Steven is Diné, which means "the people," and is how members of the Navajo tribe of Arizona refer to themselves.

"We stay on the road for weeks and go to different pow wows," Steven said. "Every weekend is a pow wow."

He explained that dancers compete for money prizes.

It was also a place for Natives to sell their authentic products, most of which are handmade. Jewelry, arrows and tools made in the ancient way were some of the items for sale.

Saturday was the second day of the three-day event, and with the proximity to the Fourth of July, was the day chosen to hold a fireworks show.

Braving the traffic near the casino, thousands of residents came out to see the show, try traditional food and watch the rich, cultural dances.