Morongo Band of Mission Indians 17th Annual Pow Wow
Nestled in the awe inspiring foothills of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains, lies the Morongo Indian Reservation. As one of nine reservations set in 1865 by President Grant, the Morongo Indians have since built their homes, and their fathers, after them. Generation after generation has passed through those 32,000 acres and have lived, loved, breathed, and died culture, freedom, and a determination to make a better way of life for each new generation.
September 28, 29, and 30 were prime examples of some of this culture and heritage we know so little about. The 17th annual pow wow of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians involving some of the most amazing displays of courage, beauty, sportsmanship and a willingness to allow us a view of their private world.
What is a pow wow, you may ask? These pow wows as we have mistakenly defined as something involving a meeting of Indians, no matter concerning the issues. We could not be more wrong. Just as non-Indians have simple meetings, family picnics, traditions, and reunions, the same is relevant with Indians. Pow wows are celebrations, sometimes of simply their heritage, and the pride they hold
for it. Others are held for religious reasons, or honoring and naming ceremonies. Be it a new or old reason, their 17th annual pow wow included dancing, fellowship and ceremonies alike.
Some of the categories that offered contests were bird singing, peon games, drum categories, and dance categories. Showing not only skill and beauty, but also creativity and function. Here you are able to observe and learn a way of life that encourages a closeness with the Earth, and a general kindness to all of those around you. They have opened their doors, giving a glimpse to us of a world that is steeped in history, culture and tradition.
Imagine a beautiful moon, a cool evening, and a raging bonfire. Solemnly, the dances are laid out for all to see as the drums pound out their monotonous beat to keep time for the intricate steps that are part of a dance. The
se dances tell stories, some sad, some lovely and others are simply a way of showing the beauty of the Morongo Indian dances. Here is a chance for you to immerse yourself in a completely different culture, experience first hand some of the fascinating culture our country almost lost when the East coast Indians were being relocated further and further West. See up close the beauty of their personal designs in both crafts and clothing and in their arts and creations.
If you are looking for culture and heritage, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians 17th Annual Pow Wow is an excellent choice to see things a little differently, see the world through their eyes. Envision a land that was once so very different from the land as we know it, and you will see the homes of their fore fathers, and their fathers before them. Take a mini trip back in time with the Morongo Indians, and experience one of the most beautiful and tradition ruled cultures. Thank you to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for giving us a glimpse of your wonderful culture and tradition.