The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will host the 20th Annual Pow Wow at Cal State San Bernardino Friday through Sunday, Oct. 9-11, with hundreds of native performers and artisans from throughout the United States and Canada.

A young participant at the 2014 Pow Wow.The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will host the 20th Annual Pow Wow at CSUSB Friday through Sunday, Oct. 9-11, with hundreds of native performers and artisans from throughout the United States and Canada. Photo: Corinne McCurdy/CSUSB[/caption]

All festivities will take place on the athletic fields near Coussoulis Arena. In case of inclement weather, the Pow Wow will move inside the arena. Admission is free and parking is free in lots G and H, accessible through the campus’ Coyote Drive entrance off Northpark Boulevard. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

“Pow Wow” is the traditional phrase for a Native American tribal peace gathering or for a meeting where warring tribes – or tribes and white men – could meet to negotiate.

The three-day event is an opportunity for the public to learn about Native American culture. Tribal members will dress in traditional native costumes, and vendors will offer the wares of various tribes, including clothing, artifacts and art, as well as traditional foods.

The Pow Wow will also include native music and dance shows, as well as competition for “Best in Show” honors featuring more than $250,000 in prizes for various contests in Native American song, drums and dance for men, women and couples.

In addition, the event will feature audience participation dancing (open to all attendees), as well as non-competitive intertribal dancing. Also planned are exhibitions including bird singing and dancing, which is Native American music indigenous to Southern California and the Colorado River region.

The event hours are: Friday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m. to midnight with the Grand Entry at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to midnight with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Grand Entry at 1 p.m.

For more information, please call (909) 425-3450 or visit San Manuel Pow Wow website.