Pow Wow

52nd ANNUAL CSULB POW WOW AT PUVUNGNA

Date: March 8 - 9, 2025
NEW LOCATION: INTRAMURAL RUGBY AND SOCCER FIELDS
Presented by the American Indian Studies Program, American Indian Student Council, American Indian Student Services, Division of Student Affairs, Student Life and Development, and Associated Students, Inc.

California State University, Long Beach’s annual Pow Wow at Puvungna, an American Indian social celebration, is the largest spring event of its kind in Southern California. The Pow Wow is focused on displaying the university’s strong American Indian presence. Admission and parking are free. 

The two-day event, which will feature American Indian dancing, arts, crafts and food begins at 11 AM each day and runs until 10 PM on Saturday and 7 PM on Sunday. In addition to dance contests and inter-tribal dancing, there will be California Indian Cultural Presentations, Gourd dancing with Dancer Registration closing at 2 PM on Saturday. All dancers and drums are invited.

Native foods, such as mutton and beef stew, Navajo tacos, fry bread, and Indian burgers will be on sale at the event, and American Indian vendors will be selling both traditional and contemporary American Indian art.

A campus map and directions can be found at www.csulb.edu/map.

Arts & Craft Vendors Application (Download application. Thank you for your support!)

Information Booth Application (Download application. Thank you for your support!)

Food Vendors are by invitation only

Vendors must be in compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-644). For more information please visit: https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act

  • Master of Ceremony: Arlie Neskahi (Seattle, WA)
  • Arena Director: Victor Chavez (Whittier, CA)
  • Head Man Dancer: Les Peters (Lakewood, CA)
  • Head Woman Dancer: Larissa Bohay
  • Host Northern Drum: Sharpshooter (Turtle Island, USA)
  • Head Southern Singer: Walter Ahhaitty
  • Host Gourd: Golden State Gourd Society
  • Spoon Keeper: Rebecca Sanchez (Long Beach, CA)
  • Sound: Marcel Young

Head Man Dancer "Old Time War Dance" Exhibition Special
Honoring and Celebrating the old time war dance styles and regalias from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

  • A Men’s War Dance Special, recognizing the Tribes of the Northern & Southern Plains, Plateau, Great Lakes, and Eastern regions.
  • 5 winners will receive a jacket and cash prizes.

Special Guidelines:

  • War Dance Style and Regalia must represent the 50s, 60s, and 70s era.
  • No contemporary-style regalia or dancing - post 80s.

Saturday

TimeEvent
11:00AMGourd Dancing
1:00PMGrand Entry
2:00PMDancer Registration Closes
4:00PMAmerican Indian Student Council (Pow Wow Committee) Special
5:00PM to 6:00PMDinner Break - California Indian Presentation
10:00PMClosing: Retire Colors and dance out

 

Sunday

TimeEvent
11:00AMGourd Dancing
1:00PMGrand Entry
6:00PMClosing: Awards, Retire Colors and dance out