Indians Celebrate Roots in Powwow

During the daytime, Caroline Numkena dresses in buckskin and plays an American Indian on a television show.

But on Saturday, even in shorts and a T-shirt, she felt more in tune with her Hopi ancestors.

“Too many people, when they watch TV, they see American Indians as one way,” said Numkena, 41, an extra on the series, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” Relaxing at “The Ole Ribbon Shirt Pow-Wow” in Agoura, Numkena said it’s time that the public realizes Native Americans sometimes prefer Lycra to leather.

“Unfortunately, they don’t realize we’re different.”

The powwow’s setting, the Paramount Ranch where “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” is shot, was a perfect location to display those differences among Native Americans like Numkena.

“Powwows are a way to keep your tradition alive when you’re not at home,” said Numkena, who moved to Redondo Beach from the Hopi reservation in Arizona. “We go to powwows and we dance. We know our traditions through dance.”

A powwow is a gathering, and on Saturday 400 American Indians and non-Indians gathered to admire the crafts, dance and songs of about 50 tribal nations that were represented. The event was sponsored by the National Park Service, the Friends of Satwiwa and the American Indian Education Resources.

From the aroma of fry bread to the gentle “ching-ching” of bells on dancers’ moccasin-clad feet, time seemed to drift back at the ranch to a day when the Chumash Indians still roamed the hills looking for acorns.

For many Native Americans like Numkena, dancing at the powwow was a chance to touch base with their roots. For others, it was a chance to educate a new generation.

“It’s pretty hard to compete with Michael Jackson and all these rappers,” said Chumash dancer Tony Romero, 71, who lives on the Santa Ynez reservation and has 14 children. “It’s a good way to begin here. Then let them decide where to go.”

Other non-Indians agreed, like Gerhard Mueller who wanted to expose his 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son to the native cultures.

“I think it’s great what they’re doing, opening up to other people,” said Mueller, 33, of Newbury Park. “I think these kinds of things will help us understand Indians more.”