A Seasonal Time of Giving for American Indians

Several hundred children received gifts ranging from dolls and toy cars to clothing donated at the eighth annual Winter Gathering and Powwow. The event Saturday at the C. Robert Lee Recreation Facility in Hawaiian Gardens attracted 3,000 people and lasted from 2 p.m. until after midnight.

Traditional ways were revived and celebrated in a present-day setting. Indians from such tribes as the Navajo, Apache and Sioux joined in an inter-tribal dance, and there was a performance of the traditional bear dance of the Northern California Pomo tribe, in which movements of the sacred, healing bear are imitated.

Foods ranged from tacos made with Indian fry bread to turkey and ham. Native Americans from as far away as San Bernardino turned out for the powwow, along with Hawaiian Gardens residents. The Whittier-based Native American Children’s Committee sponsored the event.