Pow wow by the Sea: Imperial Beach 2009

By Roy Cook

It is complete, it is fun, and it is good. We are very thankful for these longer days of summer they are truly a bonus when we are having a good time. There were hundreds of songs sung and thousands of feet danced with joy on our Mother Earth these two beautiful days. The San Diego Soaring Eagles participated in support and as a reflection of their respect for Frank and Jennifer Gastelum.

All the Pow wow by the Sea head staff took their appointed positions responsibly:
Host Northern drum: Red Hand
Host Southern drum: John Begay-Dine’
Head Man: Dallin Maybee
Head Woman: Chamese La Chappa
Head Boy: Richard Clark
Head Girl: Briana Morning Bear Smith
Head Gourd Dancer: Saginaw Grant, Sac and Fox
Arena Director: Rene Navarro
Honor Color Guard: American Indian Warriors Association (AIWA)
Emcee: Randy Edmonds, Kiowa-Caddo

The annual Imperial Beach Pow wow is organized by, The Bridge and the City of Imperial Beach, They, along with all the volunteers that supported the 2009 Pow wow by the Sea event, deserve all the appreciation the Pow wow attendees were able to show at this two-day summer solstice and celebration of life. This Imperial Beach Pow wow by the Sea is wonderful. There are Exhibition Dances, Gourd dance songs, Honoring songs and Memorial songs. It is just one beautiful, colorful, joyful celebration of Tribal life. Tiny tots and the SCAIR sponsored Soaring Eagles Dance group, they are our Indian future and they are all winners.

We extend our appreciation to those AIWA members and family who represented the AIWA organization in respectful attendance and service to our Indian Tribal community at the Pow wow by the Sea. Both past and present AIWA members: Staff carrier, Henry Mendibles filled in for Bo Bo Galvin both days, Ivan Sam- AIWA President, Richard Decrane, Joaquin Sandoval also assisting were Anthony Gastelum and Mac Lopez.

People often ask why do we go to so many Pow wows. Simply because all you can get from too much of a good time is a warm fuzzy feeling and a real goofy smile. See you on the Pow wow trail, Thank you, Aho, Mehan.