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Dancers
in colorful traditional regalia, the aroma of Indian tacos.
Visitors browsed through dozens of arts and crafts booths,
munched on traditional Indian tacos or enjoyed the cool grass
and shade this sunny weekend in Balboa Park.
Those
attending were treated to a  wealth
of traditional Indian activities including dancing and
storytelling. The Kumeyaay Bird singers—led by Ron Christman,
Running Grunion (Abel Silvas), and the ever popular Native
Blues with Tracy Nelson, Harold Hill and the on- time, on-
beat, drummer—brought the Party on the Rez to the park and
got down to business.
Of
special note is the very popular, large group of singers and
dancers from the Northern California Bay area, Grindstone
Dancers (Pomo and Maidu) and the Roadrunner Dancers and the
Rumsen Ohlone led by Chief Tony Cerda and members of the
Costanoan Carmel Indian Tribe. These were crowd pleasers and
very colorful in their traditional regalia and body painting.
This event offered an opportunity to examine complexities of
music form and style not often seen out of the traditional
role of song presentation. The Tucuk Birdsong is one of the
major traditional song styles sung in this Southern California
region.
These
songs extend over tribal and linguistic boundaries. In point
of fact these songs extend beyond the imposed international
boundary. These Bird songs have been sung before time
immemorial. Their role is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional
in expression and application. Presented at this event are two
variations of the traditional Tipai songs, the Tucuk and
Naimie or Wildcat.
Ron
Christman, Tucuk singer, has been listening to local tribal
songs for all of his life. Ron's father sang variations of the
Kumeyaay traditional song styles. Following Ron's military
service and during his long employment as an Engineer by the
California Department of Forestry, he sought out tribal elders
for instruction in singing these traditional Bird songs.
For
the past thirty years Ron has often been called upon to
participate in the custom and tradition of the local Kumeyaay
people. He is frequently requested to speak to non-tribal
groups and address civic and youth activities. The Wildcat
songs were led by Juan Meza Cuero. He said in an
interview, "I was born in the Protero area of San Diego
County in 1939. Alfonso Meza, my Father, started me singing
when I was seven. He taught me the structure and presentation
of my first Wildcat songs. I have been singing this style of
Tipai song all my life. There are many other styles of Tipai
song and there used to be many more singers of Wildcat and
other Tipai songs. I am very interested in doing what I can to
see these Nyemii, Gato, Wildcat songs continue to be sung. I
feel it is my role to teach these songs to the next generation
of our tribal youth. In this modern world I hope to bring a
sense
of pride and cultural self esteem to our children identity."
For
more on this type of traditional song see: http://americanindiansource.com/traditionalbird.html.
"We
are having a great turnout," said Mara Peters, IHRC board
member, "and it is all thanks to the hard work of the
committee, Karen Vingualt and Richard Bugbee and all of the
other volunteers. This is a real community effort." She
added that the CALIFORNIA INDIAN DAYS Festival is not a
money-making venture but a chance for friends to get together
and for non-Indians to learn more about the Native American
culture.
Traditionally
this event is an acknowledgment of the State of California
proclamation that the fourth Friday of September will be
recognized as American Indian Day. This was signed into law by
then-Governor Ronald Regan. For many years it has been held on
the Saturday following this date to accommodate those who have
employment obligations and those that might need the extra
time to get to the event in Balboa Park.
This
Balboa Park location has been the first choice from the
beginning of the event, for many historical lessons that
needed the right time to be declared. The 1999 Jose M. Hatam
Days committee, that selected this author to chair, was the
new beginning of a public awareness and education program. For
more on Hatam Days see: http://americanindiansource.com/hatamreview.html.
The
legacy of the California Tribal people is a lesson for all
Americans to learn. Endure, follow your custom and tradition,
learn your traditional ways. Each dialect of the language is
special to the local Band and region. These are the things
that we must hold on to. The Creator is kind to all his
creation. Things are never more than what we can endure. This
is the compassion of the Creator. Our individual human
character will define how we deal with the circumstances of
life and those things around us.
Once
again, our American future, the children were there, smiling,
trusting, running in the sunlight and shade, wiggling their
toes in the grass. The children were laughing and rolling in
play. These children are our national future. We must always
think of them. Title Seven Indian Education Program
demonstrated leadership and dedication. The children's craft
corner had wonderful volunteers and staff instruction—for
free.
 No
cost, all supplies, all smiles, all joy, and all stories of
accomplishment and pride in our Indian heritage. Organized by
Vickie Gambala, IHRC community board President, the Children's
Corner with rows of tables in the shade saw hundreds of
children over the two days. They made baskets, painted rocks,
worked with clay, made dream catchers. So often interest is
voiced by other cultures regarding the local tribal people's
music and art. This is the place to be this weekend.
California Indian Days Celebration presented a jam-packed
schedule of selected tribal dances regalia, songs, and words
of encouragement to those in attendance.
For
more on Indian Education see:
http://americanindiansource.com/indianed/indianed.html.
There
was a lot more music on hand this weekend for all to enjoy.
This event is always free and open to the public. Additionally
in attendance were forty or more vendors. Current information,
health screenings, beautiful tribal art, impressive items to
display and of course food booths for everyone's favorite,
fried bread, corn, and mutton stew. We will count on seeing
you at the next California Indian Days!
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