THOUSAND OAKS : Powwow to Feature Dancing and Crafts

American Indians from several tribes will demonstrate native dances, drumming and crafts at the fourth annual powwow Saturday and Sunday in Thousand Oaks.

This year’s gathering will be dedicated to Vincent (Beaver) Tumamait of Ojai, an elder and spiritual leader of the Chumash nation who died Aug. 11 at the age of 73, said Richard Angulo of the California Indian Council/Chumash.

“We want to get local families together with the culture, to get better acquainted with the Indian culture,” Angulo said.

The powwow will be held at the Borchard Community Center at the corner of Borchard and Reino roads. It is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission will be free.

The Saturday session will begin with games for children and adults, followed at 10 a.m. with storytelling that will feature tales of different tribes.

The Grand Entry ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. It will be followed by intertribal, exhibition and competitive dancing until 10 p.m.

Sunday’s session will begin with games, to be followed by the Grand Entry ceremony at 1 p.m. and dancing starting at 1:30 p.m. The powwow will end with singing, which will commence at 5:30 p.m.

Indian artisans will sell jewelry, crafts and food.

Angulo said Indians of several tribes are expected to attend, including Cheyenne, Cherokee, Apache and Chumash.