Singing at Soboba

Singers from around SoCal and elsewhere enjoyed a few hours of singing at Soboba's powwow this past weekend. Joe Ontiveros was running the show.

I heard there was some issue between some people. Too bad. The last thing we want is for people to begin to see bird singing events like tribal meetings. Bring your own helmet!?!?!?!

I ran into Paul Cano. He's Chumash and he was one of the original apprentices under Alvino, Biff and Robert. I'd like to see those guys take the lead and get some of these negative feelings between various groups under control. I'm not looking for a love fest or anything. Just some mutual respect, ya know.

What do you think?

Soboba Powwow this weekend!

Looking forward to the powwow this weekend. They usually have birds at dinner break (around 4 pm) Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and hearing some good singing. Look for an update and some pics posted next week. Check it out if you can!

1st Annual Gourd Gathering @ Hualapai

Attended the Gourd Gathering at Peach Springs, AZ last weekend. My Grandpa was from there and so me and several of my cousins went to visit our relatives. My cousin Rudy Clarke was one of the organizers, along with Ivan Bender. This year's gathering was dedicated to Ivan's father Emmett who was one of the Hualapai people's elder singers. Emmitt passed away about a year and a half ago. It was good to see Guy Trujillo and his singers there. I was real proud of his young singers- they helped out with the feed and were respectful of what was happening.

The gathering did have dance contests. My relatives and I did not sing or dance because we're sitting out for the year. But, none of us really want to do the competition thing. Which brings me to a question- What do you think about contest singing and dancing?

This is going to sound weird, but I really hate money. Especially when it becomes intertwined with cultural things. Don't get me wrong, I understand that it's important to be able to support one's family. But I always wonder what $$ and contests will do to the art of bird singing. Will it alter how it's done now? Has it already been altered from the past?

As usual, I want to say that I don't think I'm right and everybody else is wrong. But I definately think this is a question that is worth asking. So, what do you think?

Piepa!

"Sing Birds" Screening at Morongo

Mivikah chem hichiwhae?

For the last 10 years or so, I have always been able to go to Alvino Siva when I had a question regarding our culture: religion, customs, language and songs. Now that he's gone, I must admit I'm a bit lost. I think every Cahuilla person has felt that way when the previous generation starts to pass away.

When my dad passed, it took me a year to get my bearings and become the man that my family needed to carry on. Maybe that's why we traditionally take a year off to grieve. Not simply to heal, but to prepare to fill the void that death brings.

Please don't think that I'm saying I could ever replace Alvino, or Robert, or Biff. What I'm hoping is that we all will work to fill this void and to attempt to move our people in a healthy direction. Frankly, I'm tired of the pissing contests that say "I'm more traditional than you" or "I'm more Indian than you". I think it's harmful to our people and teaches destructive behavior to our youth. Ultimately, I know I can't change anyone but myself.

As for myself, I am sitting out for a year. No singing. No peon. It's the least I can do to show respect for my mentor. That's what I want to do. It's hard and I will miss it, but really meaningful things don't come easy. I will continue to look to my elders and try to do the right thing.

I think we should all recognize the elder singers from each rez and follow their lead. With respect comes responsibility and I'm confident that these men will rise to the challenge because that's what Cahuilla men do.

These are my thoughts and this is my prayer.

Achama!