“But the most important thing is to make dancers feel welcome they are our best marketing agents when they leave here – if they were treated well, they will let others know,” said James, of Moreno Valley. She said combining a three-day event into one and changing locations did have some logistical challenges. She also participates as a Jingle dancer. Pamela James has been on the committee for more than 10 years. That’s one of the strengths of a good pow wow – and a good sound system, which they also have here.”

“The (Soboba Pow wow) committee is very involved and we appreciate that they are always there to help and give us encouragement. “We have good arena directors and our judges and singers know we’re on a time schedule, so they keep things moving,” said Phillips, of Manteca. He said the biggest change with the shortened event was to make sure the timing of things was on point.

Having hosted pow wows for about 50 years, he said he loves being with the people and having them educated to Native American culture and protocols. Although it was held at the reservation near San Jacinto, it was relocated to The Oaks football stadium and condensed from three days into one.ĭancers, drummers and singers from throughout California, several other western states and Canada seemed to enjoy the more intimate setting and spent time visiting with each other.Įmcee Tom Phillips opened the event that included 30 categories of dance contests that ranged from Juniors (age 7 to 12) through Golden (55+). The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians hosted its 23rd annual Payomkawichum (People of the West) Inter-Tribal Pow Wow on September 21.

Soboba casino pow wow 2019