Hamiintamc
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. The first day begins around sundown, with an elder blessing the grounds with sage and offering a prayer for good spirit and a good time. This is traditionally followed by an exhibition of bird singing and dancing. The grand entry follows after which it’s time for the dancing (contest, exhibition, and intertribal). At the end of the evening, there is a small procession removing the flags from the arena proper, which ends each day.
Two grand entries highlight Saturday’s schedule, one in the afternoon, the other in the evening. Exhibitions of gourd dancing by Southern tribal representatives and bird singing/dancing precede the afternoon session, and a bird singing/dancing exhibition takes place before the evening’s Grand Entry. Both of the Grand Entries are followed by more dancing (contest, exhibition, and intertribal). Sunday features one grand entry in the afternoon, which is again preceded by exhibitions of gourd dancing and bird singing/dancing. Then, it’s time for the climactic round of contest dancing.
It’s the last opportunity for all of the competitors to impress the judges. Once that is over, the judges’ votes are tabulated, the winners announced, and prizes awarded. Unlike the other two days, however, there is a more formal, spiritual closing ceremony that marks the official end of the Pow Wow.
Key Information
Beginning at 8am on Friday, camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All campers must be self-contained as there are no hook-ups. Shower facilities are available; please check in at the Cal State information booth. ONLY drum groups can have one canopy per group.
**ABSOLUTELY NO CAMPFIRES ALLOWED**
During the event, public safety officers will monitor the grounds. We are not responsible for any unattended, lost or stolen items. All visitors are expected to comply with the university’s policies, including those for service animals, at all times.
2025 Pow Wow Event Schedule
-
5pm (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Blessing of the Grounds
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Bird Singing and Dancing
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Grand Entry
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Retreat Colors
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.
-
11am (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Gourd Dancing
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Bird Singing and Dancing | Ft. The Tuolumne Band Of Me-Wuk Indians
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Grand Entry
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Bird Singing and Dancing
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Grand Entry
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Retreat Colors
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.
-
11am (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Gourd Dancing
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Bird Singing and Dancing
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Grand Entry
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 (Subject to change)
-
Pow Wow Arena
Announce Winners | Retreat Colors
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.
San Manuel's Commitment to Native Culture Beyond the Pow Wow
See how San Manuel Band of Mission Indians continues to champion Native American heritage well beyond the rhythms of the Pow Wow. Through initiatives like Hamiinat Magazine and vibrant celebrations like California Native American Day, we're dedicated to fostering understanding, preserving traditions, and celebrating the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures. Dive deeper into our efforts to promote and uplift Indian Country values, stories, and achievements.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
A Pow Wow is more than just a social gathering. While you are warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend, keep in mind that it is first and foremost a sacred event, heavily steeped in tradition.
The arbor (entrance to the arena) is sacred ground and reserved solely for Pow Wow participants. Guests should stay on its perimeter. Feel free to talk to participants while they are outside the arbor.
A Pow Wow includes special songs such as flag, honor, memorial, veteran, prayer, closing, and any other song so designated by the emcee. When one is sung, stand and remove your cap or hat during its entirety.
The emcee will announce the events and provide needed information. If he requests your participation in any way, please respond accordingly.
While cameras and picture taking are allowed, some participants do not want their photo taken. Always ask for permission before taking pictures/videos.
Regalia is not a costume. Most took many hours to produce. Likewise, decorations/accessories may be fragile, and may have personal significance to the wearer. Before touching any part of a regalia, ask for permission.
Ask the head singer (drum leader) for permission to tape any song.
Yes! A Pow Wow is a wonderful event to share with the whole family. However, be sure to watch young children and keep them from running in or through the arbor.
Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
When in doubt, ask or fill out the form on the Contact Us page.
Eat like a local
Discover a variety of nearby restaurants. Although there are plenty of choices, these dining spots stand out.
Pow Wows Across Southern California
49th Annual Barona Pow Wow
Aug 30, 2024 to Sep 01, 2024
-
6pm - 11pm
-
1095 Barona Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
Sycuan Pow Wow
Sep 06, 2024 to Sep 08, 2024
-
4pm - 9pm
-
5577 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019
Morongo Thunder & Lightning Pow Wow
Sep 27, 2024 to Sep 29, 2024
-
04:00PM - Midnight
-
12700 Pumarra Rd, Banning, CA 92220
Cabazon Indio Pow Wow
Nov 29, 2024 to Dec 01, 2024
-
TBD
-
84245 Indio Springs Pkwy, Indio, CA 92203
San Manuel Pow Wow
Sep 19, 2025 to Sep 21, 2025
-
11am - Midnight
-
5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407
26th Annual Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow Wow
Oct 05, 2024 to Oct 06, 2024
-
TBD
-
Corner of Meadowvale Road and Hwy 246 in Santa Ynez, Ca.
Pechanga Pow Wow
Jan 03, 2025 to Jan 05, 2025
-
TBD
-
45000 Pechanga Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Singing The Birds Gathering
Jan 25, 2025
-
TBD
-
5401 Dinah Shore Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264