Chumash Day 17 Days Away

From the city of Malibu:

The city of Malibu is proud to announce it will host the 16th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering at beautiful Malibu Bluffs Park on Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, 2014. 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. 

Although Powwows didn’t 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. Native American dancers will wear colorful regalia while they dance in the sacred circle that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Saturday’s event starts at 11:00 AM with the gourd dancers, who will be led by well-known Native American actor, Saginaw Grant. Grand Entry or Opening Ceremonies will take place at 1:00 PM on Saturday with the invocation and prayer being led by Chumash-Tataviam elder, Alan Salazar. 

Malibu Bluffs Park is located at the corner of Las Virgenes (Malibu Canyon Road) and Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, with parking located along Malibu Canyon Road and in the vacant lot on the corner of Webb Way and Civic Center. Admission and parking for the event are free; the City will provide a free shuttle bus to transport patrons to and from the event all day on Saturday and Sunday. Event hours are 11 a.m.to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

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.