Berkeley’s Indigenous People’s Day Pow Wow 2023

The 31st Annual Indigenous People’s Day Pow Wow and Indian Market was held at Martin Luther King Jr Civic Center Park in Berkeley, CA on October 7th, 2023. It was sponsored by the City of Berkeley, and the Indigenous People’s Day Pow Wow Commitee. Per Wikipedia “Indigenous Peoples Day was instituted in Berkeley, California, in 1992, to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Two years later, Santa Cruz, California, instituted the holiday. Starting in 2014, many other cities and states adopted the holiday. In 2021, Joe Biden formally commemorated the holiday with a presidential proclamation, becoming the first U.S. president to do so.” This holiday acknowledges the history and the culture of Native Americans and their resilience.

It was a beautiful warm day. The sun was shining bright. The day began with Gourd Dancing led by Tommy Phillips Jr from the Kiowa tribe. “The Gourd Dance is considered a Warrior’s Dance and it originated long ago from the Kiowa people.” It is a powerful dance, and it allows the community a chance to honor our warrior’s, and our Veteran’s. I can always feel the strength in the Gourd Dance.

The Pow Wow began at 1pm with Grand Entry. Randy Pico from the Luiseno tribe, and Aurora Mamea from the Blackfeet tribe were the Master of Ceremonies. It was really nice to have them both share this responsibility. It was unique to hear Aurora’s voice on the microphone. It was one of the first times I have heard a women’s voice as the co-emcee at a Pow Wow. She and Randy did a great job hosting the event. The Flag Bearer’s danced in the Eagle Staff, and our Nations Flags. The Head Man Dancer Michael Reifle from the San Carlos Apache tribe along with the Head Woman Dancer Yvonne Marshall from the Eastern Shoshone-Bannock tribe led the dancers into the Pow Wow arena. A blessing was shared, and the dancing began. The Northern Host Drum All Nation’s and the Southern Host Drum Aaron Bear & Company sang the Flag Song, as well as the Victory Song. The Arena Director Reuben Crowfeather from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe did a wonderful job keeping the Pow Wow running smoothly.

Aurora Mamea and Randy Pico the Master’s of Ceremonies. Photo courtesy of Randy Shirley.

The drum, the songs, as well as the dancing are healing. I remember when I was young hearing one of our leaders say “The drum is the heartbeat of our Nation.” Pow Wow’s allow Native American people a safe space to honor their ancestors. It gives everyone in attendance the opportunity to connect to the drum and experience the beauty of some of the Native American traditions.

In the book Indigenous Peoples Day curated by John Curl it says “Celebrate this holiday with us in honor of all of our ancestors, the people continuing the struggle today, and future generations.” In the Pow Wow arena and circle. I saw people of all races there enjoying the singing, and dancing. It was wonderful to see us all come together to celebrate and honor the Indigneous People of the America’s. There were many vendors booths there which showcased the artwork that they had for sale. There were also information booths. Hallie Frazer the Vendors Coordinator does an excellent job of organizing the Indian Market.

There were competition dances throughout the day. The tiny tots dance. The drum The Braves sang the “Old McDonald” song Pow Wow style. That was a real treat. I heard the emcee Randy Pico say “that he enjoyed the goat sound they sang during the song! ” The Jr. boys and Jr. girls danced, as well as the Teens. I was able to video several of the dances. Here are the links.

Men’s Traditional ~ Indigenous People’s Day Pow Wow – YouTube.

Women’s Traditional ~ Indigenous People’s Day Pow Wow – YouTube.

Women’s Jingle & Fancy Combined ~ Indigenous People’s Day Pow Wow – YouTube.

Larry Harrison, Eric Kimble, and friend. Photo courtesy of Marianne Betterly

Gino Barichello & Leslie Deer sponsored the Prettiest Shawl Contest. The Prettiest Shawl Contest is held in honor of Gino’s mother Millie Ketcheshawno. She was an activist for Native American rights, as well as a filmmaker. She was a writer and producer known for her contributions to the 2001 documentary “Alcatraz is Not and Island” which is based on the takeover and occupation of Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay in 1969. She was a beautiful strong woman, and our community is very grateful for all that she taught us.

Prettiest Shawl Contest at Berkeley’s Indigenous People’s Day Pow Wow 2023. Photo courtesy of Lee Leon.

One of the final specials of the day was the Harvest Giveaway which my mother Diane Williams helped organize. Many community members donated pumpkins, white sage, as well as vegetables and all were given to the community at the Pow Wow. It was a lovely way to honor the Autumn Equinox, and seeing the kids all come out and get pumpkins was touching. Mom a big thanks to you, and everyone who donated!

Diane Williams, Gino Barichello, Rueben Crowfeather and friend.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was so good to see friends, family and the community. It was a reminder that we can all come together to honor our traditions in a good way. Being there really lifted my spirits. It reminded of one of the quotes in the book “Black Elk Speaks” which is about the “Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux.” In one of the passages Black Elk says “Then all at once happiness came over me, and it took hold of me right there. This was to remind me to get to work at once and help bring my people back into the sacred hoop.” I am so grateful to the Indigenous People’s Day Pow Wow Committee for all their hard work in putting together this event.