Heartbeat of their heritage
25th annual powwow raises funds for Stockton Unified scholarship program

Cindy Arora
Record Staff Writer
Published Sunday, Sep 3, 2006

Percy Edwards of the Nez Perce tribe participates Saturday in an intertribal dance at the Winter Benefit Powwow at University of the Pacific. Credit: Victor J Blue/ The Record

STOCKTON - With his big brown eyes peeking from under a yellow and red headdress, Adrian Garcia - a Yaqui Apache - had officially announced to his tribe that he was ready to be one of them.

The 6-year-old had practiced months for his symbolic "coming out" as a traditional grass dancer. On Saturday afternoon, wearing his full dress and moccasins with bells on them, he was going to join his family at a powwow.

"As young people, they enter the circle of dancers," said Val Shadow Hawk, Garcia's teacher. "Dancing honors our ancestors, Mother Earth and all of our relatives before us. "

The 25th annual Winter Benefit Powwow at University of the Pacific, which began Friday and ends today, raises funds for the Title VII scholarship program at the Stockton Unified School District. Last year, 4,000 people attended the three-day event.

Dale Fleming, the American Indian specialist for the district, said the money helps provide four $500 scholarships to American Indian students. Fleming said the district has one of the largest American Indian populations in California, with 1,968 students identified.

Aside from a fundraiser, many guests who attend the annual event said it is a yearly tradition that celebrates and preserves their heritage.

"I like hearing about my Native American culture. I try to go to all the powwows in the area," said Maudie "Running Dove" Green.

An important focal point for the powwow is the circle created in the middle of the grassy field. The sacred circle is blessed by an elder and medicine man, and it cannot be entered unless invited.

Hundreds of guests sat around the sacred circle watching the traditional dances - southern straight, northern traditional, grass dancer, fancy work and jingle.

They listened to the rhythmic drum beating that is performed by a number of tribes who take turns showcasing their music and the importance of the drum.

Adrian Garcia, 6, a Yaqui Apache, performs a traditional dance at the powwow after practicing for months. Credit: Victor J Blue/ The Record

"The drum is the heartbeat," Fleming said. "To us, it's like listening to the heart of the earth."

Chamise Campbell, a California and Nevada Indian, made her way to Stockton from Chico for the powwow. She and her 6-year-old daughter, Jessemay, came to perform their traditional dance: the jingle.

The mother and daughter each wore a full regalia jingle dress that has a skirt of tin cones that jingle during their dance.

"I was taught that this is a healing dance," Chamise Campbell said. "The sound heals you as you dance."

Contact reporter Cindy Arora at (209) 546-8257 or [email protected]