Imperial Beach 2005

By Roy Cook

This second annual Imperial Beach Pow wow is organized by, The Bridge, Indian training trust fund, Jackson and his board chairman, Charlie Silverwater. They, along with all the volunteers that supported the 2005 Pow wow by the Sea event, deserve all the appreciationthe Pow wow attendees were able to show at this two-day summer solstice and celebration of life. This second annual Imperial Beach Pow wow by the Sea is wonderful. Exhibition Dances, Gourd dance songs, Honoring songs, Memorial songs and just one beautiful, colorful, joyful contest. Tiny tots, they are our Indian future and they are all winners! This, Tiny tots delightful contest is sponsored by: Larry, Ophelia and Frank Gastelum family. Additionally, donated by the very happy vendors, there were wonderful prizes awarded in raffles. Once again this year, Charlie Silverwater, Mescalero Apache, organized these Pow wow by the Sea vendors.

It is complete, it is fun, and it is good. We are very thankful for these longer days of summer; it is truly a bonus when we are having fun! There were hundreds of songs sung and thousands of feet danced in joy on our Mother Earth these two beautiful days. The Pow wow by the Sea head staff took their appointed positions responsibly and with a good heart:

Host Northern Drum: Dancing Cloud - Pala

Host Southern Drum: Hale and Company - Dine’

Invited drum: White Cloud Singers - Laguna Pueblo

Pop-up Drum: Green River

Head Man: Bo Young bear - Seminole

Head Woman: Tiffany Workman - Dine’

Head Boy: Robert Solis

Head Girl: Megan Stately

Head Gourd Dancer: Saginaw Grant, Sac and Fox

Arena Director: Derek Blunt - Jamul

Honor Color Guard: American Indian Warriors Association (AIWA)

Emcee: Randy Edmonds, Kiowa - Caddo

People often ask why do we go to so many Pow wows. Where else can you get tired and sore cheeks from dancing and smiling all the time!

Finally, we all appreciate the confidence and support of those who help keep us on track and in the circle of life. The Red Road is often hard but the Creator is compassionate and never gives us more than we can endure. All you can get from too much of a good time is a warm fuzzy feeling and a real goofy smile. Thanks to Henry Mendibles, AIWA member for these images. See you on the Pow wow trail, Thank you, Aho, Mehan.