What inspired you to become a part of the Pow Wow ceremony?
I’ve always been active in the community and an opportunity presented itself. I’m a returning student from El Camino College and I owe it to the community and students. The organization needed a little more attention and I look forward to it every year.

What does Pow Wow stand for?
Pow Wow is a terminology used by the Northwest Indians (Algonquins) and means “meeting” or “agreement.”

What happens at the Pow Wow ceremony?
The Pow Wow is a secular type of event that offers ceremonies that involve dances, drums, cleansing healing, etc. We also have vendors who sell authentic Native American jewelry, crafts and arts. All the work is done by Native Americans and is handmade. The Native American Club plays a role in the Pow Wow somewhat because it looks to promote the idea of Native American culture.

What year is this for the Pow Wow ceremony at EC?
This will be the 10th year that El Camino College will celebrate Pow Wow. It’s exciting because the Pow Wow is the largest cultural event on campus and it attracts a crowd of about 3,000 to 5,000 people.

What message does the Pow Wow represent?
It’s the vitality of Native American culture today. Our culture is still vibrant, growing and more young people are claiming their heritage.

How is the Pow Wow funded?
It’s funded by fundraisers or generous donations. The Barona Band of Mission Indians, Inter-Club Council, and Student Diversity contributed $2,000 each to the Pow Wow. Other sources also include the vendors, fry bread food stand and the student body.

What do the clothes and titles represent at the Pow Wow?
The dancers’ clothes are called “regalia.” It’s a unique expression of spirit. It’s comprised of heirlooms and other articles handmade by family and friends handed down generation to generation. Some titles of the people that play a role in the Pow Wow are Master of Ceremonies, Arena Director, Head Man and Woman Dancer.