Overview:
More than 900 dancers and 20 drum groups from across the United States and Canada participated in the annual celebration of Native American music, dance, art and culture.
More than 30,000 people gathered at the Morongo Indian Reservation September 25–27 for the 35th Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow, celebrating Native American music, art, dance and cultural traditions.
Recognized as one of the nation’s premier powwows, the three-day event coincided with California Native American Day and brought together more than 900 competitive dancers and 20 drum groups from across the United States and Canada. The family-friendly event was free and open to the public.
Throughout the weekend, dancers wearing intricate, handcrafted regalia featuring leather, fine beadwork and brightly colored feathers competed in a variety of dance categories representing the diversity of Native dance traditions from across North America.
Traditional drumming and Bird Singing also were featured, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience cultural traditions and songs passed down through generations.
“The Morongo Powwow allows us to share Native American culture and heritage with guests from across the globe,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “At its heart, the Thunder & Lightning Powwow is about renewing our commitment to our traditions and about making sure our culture, our heritage and our values continue to live on through our young people.”
One of the weekend’s highlights was the Grand Entry, when hundreds of dancers in traditional regalia entered the powwow arena. Men, women and children of all ages danced together to the sounds of drum groups and singers, creating a colorful and energetic celebration of Native culture.
The powwow also featured traditional Bird Singing and peon games of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and other tribes from Southern California.
Beyond the arena, more than 115 vendors participated in the Morongo Indian Market. Native artists and artisans offered authentic handmade items, including baskets, beadwork, clothing, jewelry and pottery.
Native food vendors also served traditional foods and popular powwow favorites, including Indian tacos and frybread.
For three days, the Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow brought Native people and visitors together in a celebration that highlighted the continuing strength of Native traditions and the importance of passing those traditions to future generations.
