Register Staff

9-27-2007

Dancers in colorful Native American dress swaying to the rhythmic sounds of traditional drum circles, the taste and smell of frybread, the laughter of contestants engaged in “hand games” and the crowning of a new Miss Bishop Paiute Tribe are just some of the attractions that will bring the community together this weekend during the annual celebration of California Indian Days.

The entire community is invited to  the weekend of activities, which will take place on the Bishop Paiute Reservation, with most events scheduled to be held on the athletic field, the gym, the Elders Building and the Tribal Chambers.
Before the California Indian Days celebration gets under way, membersof the Bishop Paiute Tribe will gather for the annual crowning of Miss Bishop Paiute Tribe today, Thursday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. in the Bishop Paiute Tribal Chambers.

Alysa Spoonhunter, the current Miss Bishop Paiute Tribe queen, will crown her successor later tonight and help kick off Indian Days. Photo by Steve Thomas Photography

The public is invited to come to the Tribal Chambers and watch the four contestants – Meryl Barlow, Serna West, Alyssa Richards and Mallory Barlow – compete for the title.
Reigning queen Alysa Spoonhunter will crown her successor after cultural presentations and speeches are judged. The community is invited to attend.
The three-day California Indian Days event will officially begin Friday, Sept. 28, with an early-morning walk/run starting at the Bishop Indian Education Center. The walk/run, along with the California Indian Days fishing derby, will begin at 7 a.m. Friday.
Judges will begin examining entries for the annual Indian Days parade later in the morning at the Paiute Palace RV lot.
The annual parade, which starts at 10 a.m., is sponsored by the Paiute Palace Casino and features local and visiting participants with their decorated/costumed vehicles, horses and pets. Many parade entries wear traditional costumes. The parade will move south down Pa Ha Lane, east on Diaz Lane and on to Barlow Lane, so there are plenty of spots where spectators can set up and watch the stream of floats and other parade entries.
Following the parade will be the bed race judging at the intersection of Diaz and Barlow lanes. The bed races will kick off at 10:30 a.m.
From there, residents can head over to the Bishop Indian Education Center for family games and activities and a barbecue from noon-1 p.m.
Over at the Barlow Lane Gym, at 1 p.m., players of all ages will gather for the annual Chuptoohe tournament.
At 2 p.m., the Miss IIAC and Jr. Miss IIAC Pow Wow Princess contests will be held in the Barlow Lane Gymnasium.
A baby basket contest and all food contest judging will be held at the Indian Education Center from 2-2:30 p.m. Following the judging, the hand games tournament will begin near the Barlow Gym at 4 p.m.
All those participating in the fishing derby should have their catch back to the Indian Education Center by 4:30 p.m. for judging and the announcement of winners.
A community barbeque will be served starting at 5 p.m. at the Bishop Tribal Elders Building. The barbeque is sponsored by the Bishop Elders Program and all are welcome.
At 7 p.m., the focus shifts to the Barlow Lane Athletic Field, where the Pow Wow will begin with the first grand entry and the introduction of the new Pow Wow royalty.
The head drum at this year’s event will be Bad Nation, with head singer Darrel Zephier of Fort Thompson, S.D. and the Zotigh Singers, with Ralph Zotigh of Albuquerque, N.M.
The Master of Ceremonies will be Mark McNair of Bidwell, Calif.
Saturday’s events begin at noon with the second grand entry at the Pow Wow. Spectacular dance contests will be held throughout the day.
The Elders Building will once again be the site of a barbeque dinner, at 5 p.m., which is sponsored by the Paiute Palace Casino.
The third grand entry will occur at 7 p.m. at the Pow Wow grounds, and dance contests will continue throughout the evening.
Sunday’s activities will begin at noon, with the fourth grand entry signaling the final round of dancing at the Pow Wow grounds. Spectators can expect contest finals for numerous dances.
Those planning to attend the events at the Pow Wow grounds are urged to bring their own lawn chairs and tents or awnings for shade.
The Pow Wow grounds will also feature a number of vendors and booths, with Indian tacos, frybread and other food available, in addition to handcrafted jewelry and beadwork.
The entire weekend celebration is a drug- and alcohol-free event, and families and children are encouraged to attend to enjoy the dancing, the food and all the festivities.
Costumes during California Indian Days will be judged in Men’s, Women’s, Junior and Teen’s, and Golden Age (55 and over) categories.