SANTA YNEZ, CA – Singing, drumming, dancing and colorful regalia will return to Santa Ynez as Native American tribes from across North America gather for the Chumash Intertribal Powwow Oct. 3–4. The two-day gathering is the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ largest cultural event of the year, bringing together tribal communities for traditional song and dance, competitions, Native foods, arts and crafts, and other cultural activities.
The tribe’s first powwow was held in 1965 as a fundraiser to bring running water to the Santa Ynez Reservation. More than 60 years later, the annual gathering continues to provide an opportunity for tribes from across North America to come together while sharing Chumash culture, traditions and heritage with the broader community.
“The annual Chumash Intertribal Powwow reflects the resilience, vitality, and enduring traditions of Native people,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “As tribes come together in Santa Ynez to dance, sing, and share their cultures, we celebrate not only our heritage, but the connections that unite us.”
Each day will begin with traditional song and dance by Santa Ynez Chumash community members at 11:00 a.m., followed by gourd singing at noon and grand entry at 1:00 p.m. Dancing and drumming competitions will draw hundreds of participants from tribal nations throughout the U.S. and Canada, with more than $167,000 in cash prizes offered this year. Dance categories range from young children to participants age 70 and older and include traditional, straight, fancy, grass, jingle dress, buckskin, cloth and chicken styles.
This marks the fifth consecutive year the tribe has hosted the powwow in Santa Ynez after decades at Live Oak Camp in Santa Barbara, returning the gathering to sacred tribal grounds. The event will also feature Native American artisans, traditional food and regalia vendors, and informational booths.
This year’s official powwow artwork was created by Frank Dominguez, whose design inspired by Chumash rock art and ancestral knowledge was selected from 13 entries submitted by seven Santa Ynez Chumash community members.
The powwow will be held from 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the corner of Meadowvale Road and Highway 246 in Santa Ynez. Admission is $5, with children 12 and under admitted free. Parking is free.
The Chumash Intertribal Powwow is a zero-waste event, and attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and use designated recycling and waste receptacles.
