Cowboys & Indians
There are dozens of Native American pow wows throughout the year in California, and it’s really no mystery why. Our state has the largest and most diverse American Indian population in the nation. There are also dozens of cowboy rodeos and again, it’s easy to understand. We are the nation’s leader in dairy products and rank #4 for cattle inventory. Occasionally a cowboy rodeo is held by an Indian tribe — Hoopa Valley Tribe Sovereign Day Youth Rodeo takes place this week on Aug. 7. But, with rare exceptions (like the Lone Ranger & Tonto,) Western cowboys and American Indians don’t mix, especially not in Hollywood scripts. Fictionalized Cowboy & Indian drama on the big screen occasionally comes to life as happened recently when U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez shocked an audience in Anaheim by raising her hand to her lips in a “war cry” gesture and saying, “woo-woo-woo-woo,” referring to an American Indian. When a reporter confronted her she ran from him, but later apologized publicly and said she is part Native American. Another politician, Senator John L. Burton, wanted to get to the bottom of California’s relationship with and treatment of Native Americans, so he ordered a report…>
Pow Wows this Week in California:
- HAWAIIAN GARDENS: Robert Canada Friendship Pow Wow August 8 -9, 2015
- HOOPA: Hoopa Valley Tribe Sovereign Days August 6-8, 2015
- SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Pow Wow August 7-9, 2015
