By Paul Prado, Special to Highland Community News

On Saturday, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians celebrated the coming of spring with their annual Yaamava event. With the sun trying to shine through a slightly overcast morning, Chairman James Ramos started the festivities by praying alongside other tribal members. Ramos said, “We are the Yuhaviatam people, the People of the Pines. We would like to thank all of those who have come to share the beginning of spring with us today. It is a time for new beginnings. We would also like to give thanks to our elders. For without their hard work, dedication, and struggles, we would not be able to share our culture and traditions with our children and friends.”

Throughout the day, different groups from the Southwest took turns sharing their songs and dances. Tribal singers from Pala, or Kupa tribe, Santa Rosa, Mojave, Cahuilla, and Serrano, all shared in dancing and singing to an appreciative audience.

Coming all the way from the Grand Canyon, in Arizona, were members of the Havasupai Tribe, or “People of the Blue Green Waters.” The tribal members performed in their traditional regalia. Men wore rams’ horns and feathered face bands adorned their heads, while women came dressed in brightly colored green, red, and multicolored dresses. Havasupai member Aral Kaska said, “We are the Guardians of the Grand Canyon. We would like to thank Chairman Ramos for all of his support, and for allowing us to share our songs and dances with everyone here today. It is good to see many people from different tribes sharing and teaching our young the ways of our people.”

The annual event was held at the community center, at San Manuel Reservation.

Copyright © 2009 Highland Community News

Posted on March 28th, 2009 by hunwut
Filed under: Community, Events