The City of Malibu is hosting the 17th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering at Bluffs Park (24250 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu) on Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12, 2015. Event hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30PM on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The public is cordially invited and welcome to attend the event which is a celebration honoring Malibu’s original settlers and First Americans, the Chumash Indians. Saturday hours are 11am-7pm with Grand Entry at 1pm and Sunday 10am-5pm with Grand Entry at 12pm.
Although Powwows did not originate in California, the Chumash and other tribes in the state have gathered to sing, dance, socialize and heal for many generations. Native Americans from all over West and Southwest States, representing hundreds of tribes will gather at Malibu Bluffs Park during the annual event.
Native American dancers will wear colorful regalia while they dance in the sacred circle that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The event will begin each day with gourd dancers, who will be led by well-known Native American actor, Saginaw Grant and invocation and prayer led by Chumash-Tataviam elder, Alan Salazar.
Native American dancers will wear colorful regalia while they dance in the sacred circle that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The event will begin each day with gourd dancers, who will be led by well-known Native American actor, Saginaw Grant and invocation and prayer led by Chumash-Tataviam elder, Alan Salazar.
Native American foods and arts and crafts are also a large part of the event, with traditional Native American fry bread being one of featured food items. Other activities will focus on Native American tribal ceremonies, dance and special guest performances. There will also be Chumash history storytelling and an arts and crafts project for children.
Participants may park on the corner of Civic Center Way and Webb Way and ride the free shuttle to Malibu Bluffs Park.
