The City of Malibu is proud to host the 21st Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering on Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14, a festive celebration of Native American history, culture, dancing, and art, and its connection with our community.
“I hope everyone in Malibu can join together for this important annual celebration honoring the original keepers of our land, who continue to be important partners and guides in protecting Malibu’s beauty,” said Mayor Jefferson Wagner.
The entire community is invited to join the two-day celebration at Malibu Bluffs Park (24250 Pacific Coast Highway) and be part of honoring Malibu’s original residents and First Americans, the Chumash Indians.
Continuing a generations-long tradition of Powwows in California, Native Americans from many tribes all over the western and southwestern United States will gather at Bluffs Park to sing, dance, socialize, and heal in a gorgeous setting overlooking the mountains and ocean.
Each day, the event will begin with a performance of gourd dancers led by well-known Native American actor Saginaw Grant, as well as an invocation and prayer led by Chumash-Tataviam elder Alan Salazar.
Dr. Andrea Garcia, MD, is the Chumash Day Head Woman and will perform the Fancy Shawl Dance which mimics butterflies in flight reflected in a graceful and light dance. Dr. Garcia is highly regarded in the Native American community and serves on the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Committee (NAIC).
The event will feature a variety of Native American foods including traditional Native American fry bread, arts, and crafts, Native American tribal ceremonies, dances, special guest performances, Chumash history storytelling, and an art activity for children provided by the Chumash Indian Museum.
This family-friendly cultural festival is free and open for all to attend. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a Grand Entry on both days at 12 p.m. Parking is available on the corner of Civic Center Way and Webb Way, with free shuttle rides available up to Malibu Bluffs Park and back.
For more information, call the Malibu Parks and Recreation Department at( 310) 317-1364; or malibucity.org/chumashday.