Over 700 Native American Dancers and Drums to Participate/Compete

Pow Wow is one of the largest in California and Free to the Public

Update:  Due to high winds, Pow Wow will be moved inside the Coussoulis Arena

San Bernardino, CA – The largest Pow Wow in California returns next weekend to Cal State San Bernardino! The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians invites you to attend the 22nd Annual San Manuel Pow Wow that will draw 700 of the most talented Indian dancers and drummers from across the United States and Canada come together to compete for $250,000 in cash awards – the largest prize in the state! For Native Americans, the Pow Wow is the equivalent of a World Cup/Olympics/Dancing with the Stars all rolled into one.

Families from all over the Inland Empire join in on this free cultural event that invites visitors to gather below the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains to experience native Bird Singers, authentic Native American jewelry, fry bread and much more. The colorful regalia, centuries-old ceremonies and customs, and amazing dances are unlike anything else in the world and guarantee a great photo opportunity.

Join us during the weekend of October 13-15 to celebrate Native American culture and get a peek of the rich history surrounding the Yuhaaviatam Clan (San Manuel Tribe). You won’t want to miss the Grand Entry, where competitors enter the blessed grounds of the arbor or the bird songs, which are stories that have been passed down for generations and are told in the Serrano language, the native tongue of the San Manuel tribe.

HONORING TRADITION: From Montana to the Dakotas and Alaska to Canada, the best dancers, drummers and artisans from across North America will gather to celebrate their culture and spiritual roots at the 22nd Annual San Manuel Pow Wow. Dancers and drummers will be competing for $250,000 in prizes in a unique showcase of Native American culture.

The weekend celebration begins at Cal State San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 13 and runs all weekend.

In addition to competitive dancing the event will feature contests for tiny tots, juniors and teens, as well as audience participation dancing open to all attendees. Non-competitive exhibitions include tributes to veterans, blessings, intertribal dancing and Bird Singing, which is Native American music indigenous to Southern California and the Colorado River Region.

The weekend-long event is free and open to the public. And no matter when you arrive, you will have something wonderful to see and hear.

INFO LINE: 909 -425-3450

LOCATION: Cal State, San Bernardino – Friday October 13, Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15, Public parking is free in lots G and H on Kendall Drive.