Image: Powwow Dancer, by Kathy Fogden, National Museum of the American Indian, Wikimedia Commons
It almost didn’t happen. In the days leading up to the pow-wow, outsider student protests took place on campus. It was later reported that on May 2nd, UCLA Pro-Palestinian demonstrators established a Gaza Solidarity encampment. After 36 hours, Police dismantled the camp, necessitating drastic measures for campus safety. Increased law enforcement and security measures were implemented days before medics and the police force. The order was to keep the peace. Hardly any students were present, and “coco” robotic food delivery was in high demand across the campus.
During this time, UCLA Bruins Pow Wow princess contestants were able to pageant for the honorary crown. The pow wow student committee hosted the event, showcasing each of their tribes and passing on a brief history of the areas they lived, ways to harvest or hunt, each wearing handmade regalia typically worn by the women of the tribes.
The Golden State Gourd Society danced among all the dancers and led the opening prayer. Dancers came from all over in full regalia. Just a week before Mother’s Day, vendors displayed gifts. This Pow Wow, along with Cal State Long Beach weeks before, we learn has a large presence with natives traveling from out of state to attend these annually.
As I began this journey, the faces became very familiar, and as a contestant, seeing the native community in Southern California being so tight-knit and welcoming was heartening. My anxiety leading up to my attendance got the best of me. Realizing that sometimes what’s going on inside oneself can often lead to assumptions of not being accepted, or maybe even though I don’t want to acknowledge a tiny bit of fear of judgment.
As I took a deep breath, clamming up from being nervous, a kind hand from a fellow dancer showed an act of kindness and helped me get straightened out. I seriously held my breath and swallowed my tears before anyone could see them.
Walking out in silence, I began to pray, blanking my mind to picture myself hiding in a tree alone, barely letting the sun rays through, playing with a wind chime for the first few seconds as I tried to follow the other dancers’ lead. After showing true humility in the arena, getting past the sweats, clammed palms, doing probably everything not as planned, I got through it. I was kindly reminded so quickly that everyone is moving with their intentions. My intention is in the spirit of dancing for those who can no longer, for healing, and for true humility.
After the new crowning took place, dancers danced, vendors showcased, and attendees gazed, ate, and appreciated our culture as they indulged in all the beautiful custom-crafted regalia, and complimented in passing as they asked for photo opportunities.
One new thing that proved to be noticeably unusual and disappointing to some of the prize-winning dancers announced was that they would receive their prizes in the mail at a later, undetermined date. This means that some dancers who traveled from afar were not only disappointed, they also weren’t given information on what the prize would be. So, surprises without the prize. Days after, a dancer commented on the disappointment. It was openly stated that some of the college powwows had done this too.
No one was hurt. Safety was a major concern leading up to this powwow, and it was successfully delivered. This is a true testament to the prayer work that had been done by many elders, leaders, community supporters, drummers, singers, and dancers.
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