Event draws hundreds from across state

By Jeff McDonald, STAFF WRITER
November 10, 2008

EAST COUNTY - A light rain dribbled outside the Viejas Recreation Center at the start of the ceremony. Gourd dancers in traditional regalia shook to the rhythm of two drums beaten methodically at the far end of the arena.

Bells jangled, and the floor shuddered while singers chanted their slow, haunting songs, like they and their ancestors have done for centuries. In the bleachers, a respectful, reflective audience nodded approvingly.

Hundreds of people from across the state attended a powwow yesterday held on the Viejas Indian Reservation to honor American Indian veterans.
It was the closing day of a two-day event that paid tribute to those who fought and bled for the United States, even if they were citizens of their own nations.

“The gourd dancers dance before every powwow to bless the ground,” said Ivan Sam, a Navajo who had the honor of hoisting the U.S. flag during the grand entry. “It’s ceremony and celebration together.”

Just behind the Eagle Staff, who traditionally leads the flag dance at the outset of the powwow, Sam fronted a color guard of flags from every branch of the military through the opening ceremony.

Following them was a procession of men, women and children in headdresses and bustles, beads and feathers, all representing traditional dancers and what are known as “fancy dancers,” who leap and spin in competition.

Two circles of eight to 10 men each pounded out bursts of rhythm on elk-skin drums, accenting the chants emanating from solemn singers.

“They’ve been singing these songs for quite a long while,” said Rene Navarro, who drove from the Central Valley city of Visalia to participate. “They’re not written down; they’re passed down orally.”

Many American Indians choose to serve in the U.S. military because they grew up on the land and feel obliged to defend it - even if the United States has not always treated them fairly, Navarro said.

“Native Americans fought against this country, but they also fought with this country,” he said. “In World War II, a lot of Native Americans weren’t drafted - they volunteered.”

Michael Billie, a sailor stationed at the San Diego Naval Base at 32nd Street, carried the Navy flag during the color guard that opened the powwow. Billie has represented the Navy at similar events across the United States.

“We usually present in memory of the Code Talkers,” said Billie, referring to the famous cryptographers who helped the United States win World War II by transmitting messages in their native language. “It gives me a lot of pride.”

Jeff McDonald: (619) 542-4585; jeff.mcdonald@uniontrib.com
© Copyright 2008 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.

Posted on November 10th, 2008 by hunwut
Filed under: Culture, Reservations