Powwow to Kick Off Parent-Child Program

Kicking off its annual Indian Guides program, the Mid-Valley Family YMCA in Van Nuys will hold a powwow Wednesday to introduce the parent-child program to prospective members.

“This is our big recruitment night,” explained Fran Hunt, a Reseda mother who participates with her daughter. “Our goal is to get new families to join.”

A staple of the YMCA for 70 years, the program brings families together in “tribes” grouped by parent-child combinations. The idea, Hunt said, is to strengthen the parent-child bond through activities that are both educational and entertaining.

“It’s an opportunity for parents and children to spend time having fun together and fostering a more friendship type of relationship,” said Hunt, who serves as chief of the mother-daughter Shoshone tribe.

The Yang-Na Nation Powwow will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at 6901 Lennox Ave. in Van Nuys. Representatives from each of the Y’s nine tribes will be present to answer questions and explain the program’s benefits.

Former members of the first tribes, started in the San Fernando Valley in 1945, will also attend. There will be food, songs and a performance by a Native American dance group.

Typically, tribes meet twice a month for songs, crafts and snacks, Hunt said. In addition, there is usually a monthly event such as a camping trip. The program is aimed at boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 12.

For Hunt, who joined last year, the program has been a wonderful way of improving her relationship with her 9-year-old daughter, Jessica. After the birth of Hunt’s son, there were greater demands on her time.

“This is a time where [Jessica] has me, just me,” Hunt said.

The powwow is free and open to the public. For more information, call (818) 989-3800.