By Kathy Chouteau
A collaborative celebration of Native American culture will occur at the “14th Annual Richmond Contest Powwow” Sunday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Richmond Police Activities League’s (RPAL) gym.
The theme of the event, which is presented for free by the Richmond Powwow Committee, is “Honoring our next generations.” The day will feature a wide range of cultural activities including a Raffle Table; Princess Contest for the 13-19 year old set, along with a Tiny Tots Special; Hand Drum Contest (winner takes all); Ohlone Blessing; Gourd Dancing at 11 a.m.; Wailaki’s Indian Tacos Booth and more.
The Grand Entry ushering in at noon will reflect a collaboration of tribes, including Master of Ceremony Tom Phillips Sr. (Kiowa, Muskogee Creek); Arena Director Joe Fox (Laguna Pueblo, CA Pomo); Head Man David Wilson (Lakota); and Head Woman Cindy Blacksmith (Rosebud Sioux).
Other notable roles and diversity of tribes at the event will include Rogelio Guerrero (Curly Clan of the Navajo Nation); Head Youth Gourd Seamus Bear-McCloud (Quapaw, Cherokee); and Contest Tabulator Smoke Johnson (Mohawk, Paiute).
Host Northern Drum: All Nations Drum and Host Southern Drum: Southern Express will be performing, as will the Teokalli Aztec Dancers.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs to the free event, which will be alcohol and substance free.
For a vendor application or more info, contact Chair Coordinator Courtney Bulletti at [email protected]. RPAL is located at 2200 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond.
