The Pow Wow is a three-day event of music and dance that is both a celebration and competition with participants vying for prizes and honoring enduring Native traditions.

Schedule of Events:

September 19, 2025:

5pm: Blessing of the Grounds - Pow Wow Arena

Before the first day of the Pow Wow begins, an elder blesses the grounds with sage and offers a prayer for good spirit and a good time for everyone attending.

6pm: Bird Singing and Dancing - Pow Wow Arena

The name for Bird Songs is derived from the bird migration that parallels people moving through their territory—telling the story of creation, animals seen along the way and sacred places. Bird Dancers are usually women who face the singers bringing movement and beauty to the songs with rhythmic movement and their signature regalia.

8pm: Grand Entry - Pow Wow Arena

The Pow Wow begins with a grand entry procession—sacred in nature—into the arena. The procession traditionally follows a particular order: flag bearers (usually military veterans); Indian royalty (elders, tribal and organizational leaders, princesses and other dignitaries); head dancers, and then dancers (in full regalia and dancing).

Midnight: Retreat Colors - Pow Wow Arena

After the spiritual closing ceremony marking the official end of the Pow Wow, a quitting song is performed. People in attendance stand in silence and remove their caps/hats until the song is over and the flags are removed from the arena.

September 20, 2025:

11am: Gourd Dancing - Pow Wow Arena

The Gourd Dance is considered a social or ceremonial dance conducted prior to the day’s Grand Entry. The gourd rattle used is actually a metal cylinder filled with beads and decorated with leather, beads, string, feathers and horsehair.

Noon: Bird Singing and Dancing | Ft. The Tuolumne Band Of Me-Wuk Indians - Pow Wow Arena

The name for Bird Songs is derived from the bird migration that parallels people moving through their territory—telling the story of creation, animals seen along the way and sacred places. Bird Dancers are usually women who face the singers bringing movement and beauty to the songs with rhythmic movement and their signature regalia.

1pm: Grand Entry - Pow Wow Arena

The Pow Wow begins with a grand entry procession - sacred in nature - into the arena. The procession traditionally follows a particular order: flag bearers (usually military veterans); Indian royalty (elders, tribal and organizational leaders, princesses and other dignitaries); head dancers, and then dancers (in full regalia and dancing).

6pm: Bird Singing and Dancing - Pow Wow Arena

The name for Bird Songs is derived from the bird migration that parallels people moving through their territory—telling the story of creation, animals seen along the way and sacred places. Bird Dancers are usually women who face the singers bringing movement and beauty to the songs with rhythmic movement and their signature regalia.

8pm: Grand Entry - Pow Wow Arena

The Pow Wow begins with a grand entry procession - sacred in nature - into the arena. The procession traditionally follows a particular order: flag bearers (usually military veterans); Indian royalty (elders, tribal and organizational leaders, princesses and other dignitaries); head dancers, and then dancers (in full regalia and dancing).

Midnight: Retreat Colors - Pow Wow Arena

After the spiritual closing ceremony marking the official end of the Pow Wow, a quitting song is performed. People in attendance stand in silence and remove their caps/hats until the song is over and the flags are removed from the arena.

September 21, 2025:

11am: Gourd Dancing - Pow Wow Arena

The Gourd Dance is considered a social or ceremonial dance conducted prior to the day’s Grand Entry. The gourd rattle used is actually a metal cylinder filled with beads and decorated with leather, beads, string, feathers and horsehair.

Noon: Bird Singing and Dancing - Pow Wow Arena

The name for Bird Songs is derived from the bird migration that parallels people moving through their territory - telling the story of creation, animals seen along the way and sacred places. Bird Dancers are usually women who face the singers bringing movement and beauty to the songs with rhythmic movement and their signature regalia.

1pm: Grand Entry - Pow Wow Arena

The Pow Wow begins with a grand entry procession - sacred in nature - into the arena. The procession traditionally follows a particular order: flag bearers (usually military veterans); Indian royalty (elders, tribal and organizational leaders, princesses and other dignitaries); head dancers, and then dancers (in full regalia and dancing).

6pm: Announce Winners | Retreat Colors - Pow Wow Arena

After the spiritual closing ceremony marking the official end of the Pow Wow, a quitting song is performed. People in attendance stand in silence and remove their caps/hats until the song is over and the flags are removed from the arena.

Dates: September 19 - 21, 2025

Location:

CSU San Bernardino,
5500 University Pkwy,
San Bernardino, CA 92407.

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