Wearing a traditional feathered headdress with vibrant plumes, Ahuatzi Tokli-Arteaga of Danza Azteca Xōchipilli was among the dancers who brought Indigenous artistry and cultural traditions to life during The People’s Home: Intertribal Indigenous Powwow at Cal State LA.
“It’s kind of nice to have a powwow that’s pretty close to home and close to many residents that are in Los Angeles,” Tokli-Arteaga said. “There are powwows across California and the United States, but I think in LA there’s not too many. It’s good for the public. It’s good for people to get exposed to more Indigenous cultural events.”
That spirit of community, culture, and connection drew nearly 3,000 students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to University Stadium on Saturday, July 25, for The People’s Home Powwow, presented by the United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII).
Marking the first powwow held on the Cal State LA campus, the daylong celebration featured Grand Entry ceremonies, traditional dancing, drum groups, Native artists and vendors, cultural exhibitions, Indigenous cuisine, and educational opportunities. The steady beat of drums, colorful regalia, and performances created a welcoming atmosphere that celebrated the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
Powwows are social gatherings that celebrate Indigenous cultures through song, dance, art, and community. The powwow welcomed participants of all backgrounds, creating opportunities to learn about Indigenous traditions while honoring the drum, dancers, and arena with respect.
Representing the Mishika Nahuatl tradition with Danza Azteca Xōchipilli, an East Los Angeles-based cultural group, Tokli-Arteaga said the intertribal powwow reflected the collaboration that brings Native communities together.
“It doesn’t take one person, but the help of a community,” Tokli-Arteaga said. “It’s very beautiful to see the different tribes and nations that people are representing here today in this circle.”
By co-hosting its first powwow with UAII on the traditional and unceded lands of the Tongva people, Cal State LA reaffirmed its commitment to recognizing Indigenous history while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and community connection.
“The People’s Home: Intertribal Indigenous Powwow was a meaningful celebration of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and community,” said Gregorio Pacheco, California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA) repatriation coordinator at Cal State LA. “It was inspiring to see Native communities, students, families, and allies gather on the Cal State LA campus to celebrate through song, dance, art, and storytelling.”
Throughout the day, attendees visited booths hosted by Native organizations, browsed handcrafted artwork and jewelry from Indigenous vendors, sampled Indigenous cuisine, and connected with community resources serving Native families throughout the region.
Anthony Salazar, who helped support the Northern Drum group Bear Springs and family members participating in the powwow, said the gathering provided an opportunity to educate visitors about the enduring presence of Native communities.
“It’s important for people here who are non-Native to know that these traditions have been going on for years and years,” Salazar said. “People always think that we’ve gone extinct. We’re still here, we’re living well in our communities and homes, and these intertribal powwows are here—and we’re going to stay here forever.”
Yue Begay, director of operations for Indigenous Pride LA—the only organization in Los Angeles that celebrates and honors Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ culture, identities, and heritage—said UAII has become an important partner to the community.
“United American Indian Involvement has done a really amazing job stepping it up, always inviting us to things, not only to their powwows or events, but even toward stuff within their office for us to do presentations to their staff,” said Begay. “We also have a youth program that’s also cosponsored by United American Indian Involvement.”
Begay added that gatherings like the powwow strengthen relationships, connect people with resources, and create spaces where Indigenous communities can support one another.
“Community is a place where people can go and relax,” Begay said. “It’s that permanent place that is kind of all-encompassing. You want to nurture these spaces. You want to support their growth, support their development. Because the more you pour in, the more you get out.”
Founded in 1974, UAII is the largest nonprofit cultural health provider serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Los Angeles and Orange County.
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 260,000 distinguished alumni.
