CELEBRATIONS OF TRADITIONS POW WOW

Official Fiesta® San Antonio Event

April 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Admission is free and open to the public.

For additional information: unitedsanantoniopowwow.org

All who attend this time honored, breathtaking and educational, spectacular event will have the opportunity to view and participate in the Native American Culture and Traditions of dance and music at an official Native American Pow Wow, sponsored by United San Antonio Pow Wow. The event will also include vendors selling Native American arts, crafts and supplies.

Don’t miss the Grand Entry at 12:30p.m. It is truly a culturally stunning display showcasing the intricate designs and traditions, full of symbolic meaning of America’s first inhabitants. Through the Pow Wow, the American Indian can pass traditions to their children and grandchildren so that the culture can be maintained and enriched, learning the honored ways of the past

American Indian Regalia

A dancer’s clothing is regalia, not a costume. It is a prized possession. Some regalia has been handed down through generations and is priceless. The regalia reflects the spirit and customs of people being honored. The clothing is handmade, usually by the dancer, friends and family. Every article has special meaning and may take years to complete and with great expense. The clothing represents the living history of “The People.”

Feathers

You will see many feathers as part of the regalia. The American Indian (tribes and individuals) believe in the sacredness of certain types of feathers, most notable is the Eagle. Feathers have been used as religious symbols, as public signs of accomplishments and special honors. If an Eagle feather should drop from a dancer’s regalia, a ceremony must be performed, usually by a veteran or elder. This ceremony varies with different Nations, but in general the ceremony needs to be performed to restore it’s medicine. During this ceremony, spectators should stand and remove their hats. Picture taking and videotaping is strictly forbidden at this time.

Understanding The Culture

To understand any culture, it is necessary to look at it’s folklore, tales and legends. In the American Indian culture, religion is everywhere around them. American Indians see the work of the Creator in everything: the sun, the moon, the wind, the ground and in animals and plants given to them for food. They gave a daily sense of the Creator and worship by showing love and respect for Mother Earth.

TEXAN Magazine had the honored privilege of sitting down and interviewing our dear friend, EJ De Luna, a very revered, accomplished and respected American Indian, who was instrumental from the start in bringing to life the Celebrations Of Traditions Pow Wow, and forming the United San Antonio Pow Wow, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Erwin J. De Luna, President (Navajo – Taos Pueblo) of United San Antonio Pow Wow and past President of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission explained how the Celebrations Of Traditions Pow Wow came to be.

“The first gatherings in San Antonio resembling the Pow Wows were Indian dance demonstrations conducted by the Boy Scouts at their annual Scout Country Fairs in the 70s. A few decades later, United San Antonio Pow Wow origins began back in the late 90s when various leaders from different American Indian organizations and individuals from various American Indian tribes met to discuss ways to celebrate the Culture and Traditions of the “First People” of the United States and to bring together everyone regardless of each programs area of interest.”

Representatives to the original meetings were Osage, Comanche, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Mohawk, Cherokee, Navajo, Taos and Lipan Apache as well as individuals with the Mission Indians in the San Antonio area.

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The group addressed the need for a unified Native American group in the city of San Antonio to promote the Traditions and Culture of the American Indian in the most positive manner possible. Also, to provide Indian people the opportunity to participate, to practice, and to teach tribal traditions among all tribes. They also wanted to enlighten the non-Indian about the history and culture of America’s first inhabitants and to dispel stereotypes created about the American Indian.

The organization would be conducted as a non-profit, charitable, religious and educational group to fulfill these purposes. United San Antonio Pow Wow, with volunteer assistance would conduct public discussion groups and presentations, an annual Native American Pow wow to provide an avenue to present the Native American culture, practices, beliefs and traditions.

Utilizing a large number of volunteers, contributions from individuals and the City of San Antonio Community Initiatives Department, the first Native American Pow Wow was presented on February 21, 1998. Participants not only included individuals and families from the State of Texas, but from New Mexico and Oklahoma as well. Early in the organization of the United San Antonio Pow Wow it was decided that the organization would be open to any individual who shows a true interest in the traditions of the Native American. Membership includes individuals recognized by any Indian tribe, nation or organization stating membership in that entity, which must be a state or federally recognized approved Indian tribe or organization. Also, eligible are individuals with blood relative’s documentation and any individual with a true interest in the traditions and culture of Native Americans willing to fulfill the purpose of the organization.

Everyone is welcome at this free, official event that takes place during Fiesta®! Don’t miss the astonishing beauty and educational opportunities promoting the culture and history of America’s first inhabitants! But most of all, it’s a very fun day for the entire family!

The current Board of Directors include: Erwin J De Luna, President (Navajo – Taos Pueblo), Calvin Osife, Vice President (Navajo), Katherine De Luna, Secretary (Navajo – Taos Pueblo), Milo Colton (Cherokee); Lee Walters (Blackfeet), Lu Bell Pratt (Cherokee), Lodean Starr (Choctaw), and Ronald Rardin.