The 15th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering took place Saturday and Sunday at Bluffs Park. Every year, the Chumash, as well as other tribes from all over the United States, come together for a celebration of the Native American culture.
The Chumash tribe is native to Malibu. Many sacred ceremonies take place during Chumash Day event. The lively festival included Native American arts and crafts, face painting, vendors, food trucks, colorful tribal dancing and traditional drumming.
Visitors to Malibu could hear the drumming from the beaches, shops and restaurants, while many local residents could hear the sound of the drums from their homes.
Tony Ward, from Anchorage, Alaska’s Gwich’iin Tribe, dances with fellow participants around the fire during a ceremonial dance at Bluffs Park last weekend.
Participants gather for a drum circle last weekend at the Chumash Day Powwow.
Alapay Sanchez and her brother, Joseph, take part in the grand entrance, prayer and dance on Saturday.
Native Americans donning colorful headdress wait to be blessed by Master of Ceremonies, Chumash Elder Alan Salazar, before entering the circle.
Tony Ward, from the Gwich’iin Tribe, takes pride in his dancing at the Chumash Day event.
Head Dancers followed with their traditional dance during the Grand Entrance at this weekend’s Chumash Days at Bluffs Park.