Pabanamanina 2024
It’s Powwow time in Payahuunadü–“Land of Flowing Water”
By Christina Reed
The Hired Pen
Bishop, CA—It’s the 2024 Pabanamanina and powwow time in Bishop, CA, at the Wanaaha Casino and Pow wow grounds, in Bishop, CA in Eastern California. The Payahuunadü, or “Land of Flowing Water,” or Owens Valley, is the setting for this annual early fall traditional gathering of many of the country’s Native Americans. Pow Wow: September 27-29, the powwow unites Native American communities, and brings the culture and spirit of the nations together. Dance, song, hand games, traditional foods, vendors, visiting, camping, hiking, and storytelling are highlights of the powwow, and people come to sing, dance, heal, and benefit from the positive energy.
Treated with Respect: Elders, drums, regalia, dancers, veterans, and the circle
The drums are the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and like elders, veterans, the circle, dancers, and regalia, the utmost of respect is given to these important elements of the Native American culture. This year’s headman, Anthony Hernandez, and Powwow’s headwoman, Alyssa Sonjoi, ensure that the powwow moves ahead for the residents, participants, and visitors. The Master of Ceremony, emcee, is Ruben Little Head (Northern Cheyenne), and he’s in charge of the arena and the flow of events at the powwow. He sets the tone and energy of the powwow, and moves the spirit of the many events forward with humor and dignity. Arena Director and Sound, Jerry Bear, is a part of the special sounds of the powwow.
Drumming and Singing
Invited to this year’s powwow are three very special drumming / singers from across the country, and from either the north or south, these groups are the heartbeat of a powwow. Welcome Southern Drum, Cozad Singers, a Kiowa drum group (Anadarko, Oklahoma), and this drum group goes back to the 1930s, and Leonard Cozad Sr. Welcome Northern Drum group Ozuye, meaning “war party,” and Jermaine Bell (Oglala Lakota). Welcome Invited Drum group, Iron Bear, is from another well-known powwow drum group, founded in Chicago, Illinois, and Sterling Big Bear III (Ponca / Ihanktonwan) represents the group. Generally, the Southern drumming / singing is a slower beat, and the Northern drumming / singing is a faster beat. Drums are a percussion instrument, but they are so much more to the Native American culture. Drums are symbolic of the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and the connection and communication between the people and their spiritual world. Further, the differences between Southern and Northern tribes extends to songs, dances, regalia, and origin stories.
Pow Wow Guidelines
Please respect elders at all times. Elders are to be served first at meals.
Do not touch regalia, jewelry, or the drums. The dancers wear regalia. Do not call them costumes.
We walk around the dance circle, not through it.
The emcee invites the dancers into the arena. Please don’t dance in the arena without invitation.
Ask the dancer’s permission for photographs outside the arena, and respectfully ask the dancer questions if you have any.
¡Enhorabuena!