May 9, 2010
by P H Yang Photography (phyang.org)

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Over 30,000 people were drawn to the Stanford Powwow, in its 39th year, to see  the magnificent dancers and drummers in their glorious native regalia, during the Mother's  Day weekend. The Eucalyptus Grove was filled to capacity on the Stanford  University campus.

The largest student-run Powwow showcased "a culture  that a lot of people think isn’t in existence anymore,” says Waddie Crazyhorse,  Powwow Co-chair and a Stanford senior. Many of the Native American participants  arrived from as far as Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota and New  Mexico.

Amongst the Men's Golden Age competitors is 65-year-old Mark  Roanhorse, of Diné (Navajo) tribe, from Phoenix, Arizona. He is a proud veteran  of two wars from the Korean Whitehorse Division and Vietnam Tigers  Division.

Nathan Chasing Horse (age 33), a Lakota Sioux from South  Dakota, sports a spectacular blue and white face-paint that matches the color of  his regalia. He attended with his four wives -- "a tradition," he says.

The graceful Smoke (aka Sharon Chestang-Robinson), a Cherokee/Choctaw,  hails from Oakland, California. She is very friendly and nice to this reporter,  clarifying some of the taboos and finer details of the traditions and  ceremonies.

The Powwow is something that started out in the plains, with  the native tribes, and it’s really a coming together — a celebration of native  dance, music, cultures and art. It is a spectacular celebration with over 300  dancers, singers and drummers, from tiny tots to seniors, over the course of the  past three days.

This is a rare glimpse into a culture and heritage that  is rapidly fading and I treasure the opportunity to connect with the Native  American friends I have met during and after the Powwow. It is heartening to see many tiny  tots still upholding their traditions. May their heritage lives on forever.