Balboa Park Pow Wow

The San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC) will host the 36th annual Balboa Park Pow Wow, a popular community event is free and open for all to join, learn, and celebrate.

The Pow Wow is a celebration and showcase of Native American culture and traditions. Native singers, drummers, and dancers from throughout the Southwest will gather in Balboa Park to practice their traditions in their beautiful regalia. Pow Wow’s are a spiritual experience for American Indians and an opportunity to preserve and pass on the customs and traditions which keep our Native heritage alive.

This year commemorates SDAIHC’s 45th anniversary as a pillar in the healthcare community. Since 1979, the center has served people from all walks of life through medical, dental and behavioral health services. This milestone sets forth on SDAIHC’s next chapter in delivering exceptional care for all and expanding services for those in need. Through its array of services, SDAIHC brings hope, resilience, and healing to the thousands that are served yearly, and continues to grow to provide high quality healthcare to all.

Each day, the Pow Wow will showcase traditional activities such as Kumeyaay Bird Singing, Gourd Dancing, Inter-Tribal Dancing, and Honoring of community leaders. Attendees can stroll through food and vendor booths in which frybread, jewelry, clothes, blankets, and other items can be purchased.

Larry Edmonds will serve as the event emcee. Todd Gloria, San Diego Mayor and member of the Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska will speak on Saturday to honor SDAIHC’s decades of service to the community. California President pro Tempore Toni Atkins will be presenting an award to the organization on Sunday. Sunday’s honoring will be dedicated to all the mom’s, grandmothers, adoptive, foster and any woman who has served in that capacity, in celebration of Mother’s Day.

SDAIHC promotes excellence in health care for people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. The center offers services with respect for custom and tradition to reduce the significant health disparities in San Diego’s under-served populations. On top of patient care, SDAIHC hosts youth outreach groups, elder meetings, cooking classes, and other cultural gatherings that band the community together to embody healthy living.

To learn more about volunteering, vendor information, donations, or other general information, contact Paula Brim at (858) 442-5033 or [email protected].