Over 900 tribal dancers and 20 drum groups from across the U.S. and Canada gathered with thousands of spectators to honor traditional Native American music, dance and art.

Morongo Indian Reservation – More than 30,000 spectators celebrated Native American music, art, and dancing at the 31st Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow, held September 23 – 25 at the Morongo Indian Reservation. 

As one of the nation’s most highly anticipated powwows, the year’s outdoor gathering hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians attracted over 900 tribal dancers and 20 drum groups from across the United States and Canada.

Throughout the weekend, dancers wearing intricate, handcrafted regalia of leather, fine beadwork and brightly-colored feathers competed in a variety of events that displayed the diversity of Native American dance styles.

“The Morongo Thunder and Lightning Powwow offers us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our heritage while passing along our traditions to future generations,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “Powwow allows us to share our culture with visitors to our reservation, and to teach others about the beauty of Native American dance, music and art.”

The highlight of each day, the Grand Entry drew hundreds of dancers dressed in traditional regalia into the powwow arena which was transformed into a spectacular display of rhythm, music and motion as men, women and children danced together to the music of competitive drum groups and singers.

The Powwow included traditional bird singing and peon games of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and other tribes in Southern California.

At the Morongo Indian Market, artists offered authentic Native American crafts for sale, such as handmade baskets, beadwork, clothing, jewelry, and pottery. Native food vendors offered customary homemade delicacies such as Indian tacos and tasty Indian frybread.

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UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to undergraduate and graduate students.

https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/native-american-opportunity-plan.html

In furtherance of its goal to help support local non-profits, the Tribe provided grants to 67 different organizations serving others across local communities.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded nearly $200,000 to dozens of non-profit organizations serving local communities as part of the Tribe’s inaugural Community Outreach Awards luncheon, held on Wednesday, April 13.

The 67 award recipients represented a wide array of organizations across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including those involved with Native American culture, social services, education, hospitals or health organizations, and support groups for members of the military and military families.

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