Balboa Park Powwow celebrates Native American singing, dancing

Balboa Park Powwow celebrates Native American singing, dancing

Wearing a family-made Southwestern-style T dress adorned with pictures of elk teeth, 21-year-old Kylie Saal arrived early to Saturday’s Balboa Park Powwow with her parents to secure a shady spot with a great view of the arena. There, with help from her mom, the UC San Diego student applied the finishing touches to her tribal regalia and hair — the latter braided, banded and decorated with real otter skins — in anticipation of the day’s events. “…

Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School holds annual powwow, elders' feast

Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School held its annual powwow and elders' feast on March 25. During the powwow, a giveaway featured handmade quilts, blankets, traditional artwork and many other useful items.]]>

Aztec Dancers at San Diego Balboa Park Powwow.

This afternoon, Danza Azteca Calpulli performed at the Annual San Diego Balboa Park Powwow, which is typically held on Mother’s Day weekend. The colorful Aztec Dancers might delight the eyes, but those watching were reminded that their dance is spiritual–it’s a prayer. The smoke of white sage blesses participants, purifying minds and hearts. In a circle the dancers step to rhythmic drums and at intervals spin. The dance feels like a collective h…