Hollister
– San Juan Bautista will pay homage to its indigenous roots at
the California Indian Market and Peace Powwow this weekend in the
historic Mission City.
Hollister – San Juan Bautista will pay homage to its indigenous roots at the California Indian Market and Peace Powwow this weekend in the historic Mission City.
The city will see an influx of American Indian arts, singing, dancing and foods at the event, held annually since 1984. The event provides an opportunity for families to learn about the various tribes that are indigenous to the region as well as the broader North American region.
“It’s important for people to realize that we’re still here and acknowledge the true history of this state,” said Ann-Marie Sayers, who has helped with the event since its inception.
Leynee Reyna, who created the event, came up with the idea after envisioning red vending tents in San Juan Bautista’s mission in a dream. She said she was happy to know the market and powwow could pass on the teachings of native cultures to people who had been previously unfamiliar.
“Historic San Juan Bautista’s history began with the native people; the native people built the mission. By bringing in so many different of the native cultures, non-native people are able to learn,” Reyna said.
There will be people from various tribes at the event singing in their native languages and performing their traditional dances.
Kanyon Sayers-Roods, an 18-year-old Hollister resident, will be performing a song honoring her ancestors at the opening of the weekend’s events. Her mother said she is glad that her daughter will be performing a song her grandmother once sang.
“She’s very conscious of her identity,” Sayers said.
The event is as much about learning about the native cultures of the region as it is about unifying all cultures, Reyna said. The powwows, held throughout both days, are meant to promote peace and unity throughout the world. People of all cultures are invited to dress up in traditional regalia and take part in the powwow.
“By dancing together we identify ourselves as the human peoples. The human nation,” Reyna said. “It’s important that when we dance we have all different colors through our skin and our clothes.”
The peace powwows emphasize “tiospaye” – the American Indian word meaning extended family.
But for those who do not want to participate in the powwows, watching the traditional dances can be both educational and entertaining.
The event will also have food from various cultures and many vendors will be coming from around the greater California area.
San Juan Bautista City Manager Jan McClintock said that the event helps out the local economy because it brings people into town.
“Anything we can do that is within keeping of San Juan Bautista’s history as well as supporting our local merchants and artisans is great,” she said.
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
