The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, a native sovereign nation of northern Los Angeles County, welcomes you to our homelands! Specifically, you are standing on the land affiliated with Tochonanga, the historic village from which our Tribal Citizens descend.
After thousands of years, foreign powers began colonization in the late 1770s with the arrival of the Spanish followed by the establishment of Mexico and the United States. Despite settler colonization, the Tribe continues to operate as both a Tribal government and community.
The Fernandeño Tataviam community originates in the lineages, villages, and cultures of the period that came before the establishment of Mission San Fernando in 1797, from which their ancestors received the name Fernandeño during enslavement by the Spanish. The Native Americans that were taken to the Mission originally inhabited the villages originating in the Simi, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys.
source: www.tataviam-nsn.us/heritage/territory/
A Guide to Respecting Our Homelands
Understand that the land beneath you contains thousands of years of our DNA Be respectful of our Mother land and all her beings.
Learn and use the original Native placenames for the open spaces you visit. These names have existed for millennia.
Do not disturb our animal relatives, contaminate our sacred waters, or leave trash or belongings on our homelands during your visit.
Our cultural items are more than artifacts. Leave them in place and untouched for our future generations.
Beyond enjoying our cultural spaces, support Fernandeño Tataviam rights today and everyday.
Friends of Hart Park
the History Hart of the West Powwow
The Friends of Hart Park is a non profit California corporation composed of volunteers who donate their time and talents to help raise funds and otherwise support the William S. Hart Park and the William S. Hart Museum as a supplement to the County of Los Angeles.
William S. Hart created a film style that revealed an authentic vision of the Old West. He made a major contribution to film history by developing and embodying the prototype of the frontier hero. Fame, artistic recognition, and wealth were Hart’s rewards. True to the spirit of Western heroes he had portrayed on screen, Hart was humbly grateful to the fans who had supported his film career.
When he died in 1946 he left the bulk of his estate to the County of Los Angeles, stipulating that his house and the ranch property were to be used as a museum and public park.
For many years, funds raised by the Friends have been used to help maintain the mansion, help with the animals in the park and clean/restore numerous art treasures. The organization is directed by a board of directors elected annually. The current President is Santa Clarita City Councilwoman, Laurene Weste.
“Hart of the West” was created by former Superintendent, Norman Phillips. Tody’s Powwow is true to the spirit of Hart Park and to its benefactor, William S. Hart, who had great respect and admiration for the Native American culture.
Hart of the West Pow Wow
Welcome Letter
Mayor Cameron Smyth
Hello
It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the 30th Annual Hart of the West Pow Wow. For three decades, we have come together at our beautiful William S. Hart Regional Park to celebrate the rich culture, history and traditions of our valley’s first inhabitants. The community is invited to be part of this tradition hosted by the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the many voices that have contributed to keeping these customs alive for generations.
The 30th Annual Hart of the West Pow Wow is not just a celebration-it is a testament to the deep roots of Native American culture in Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas. Through dance, song, storytelling and craft-making, this event provides an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the traditions that continue to thrive in our diverse community. It reminds us of the importance of honoring the past while embracing the present, and it serves as a bridge that connects us to the many cultures and stories that shape our City today.
As we gather on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6, I encourage you to take the time to reflect on the diversity that makes Santa Clarita so special. The Pow Wow is an opportunity to celebrate the shared experiences and histories of all the people who call this community home.
Please join us for this extraordinary celebration, and don’t forget to come early, as parking and seating fill up quickly.
I look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of this incredible event. Together, we will continue to honor the traditions, cultures and diversity that define Santa Clarita and make it such a wonderful place to call home.
Sincerely,
Mayor Cameron Smyth
2024 Hart Pow wow Agenda
10 A.M Gates Open
10:45 am FTBMI Songs
11 am Gourd Dance
11:50 am Speaker
12 pm Grand Entry
The Grand Entry
First the eagle staff is carried into the circle, followed by the American, Canadian, state and tribal flags, followed by the title holders from tribal pageants. Other invited dignitaries are next, followed by the men: traditional dancers first, then grass dancers and fancy dancers. Women come next, followed by traditional dancers, fancy shawl dancers and jingle dress dancers. When the Grand Entry song ends, there is a flag song, an equivalent of the national anthem. Then there is an invocation blessing the gathering.
Inter-tribal Dance
Everyone is welcome to dance in the Intertribal Dance—even tourists! It is not so much a particular type of dance, as it is a dance in which everyone can participate. (Note: this is not true amaong some tribes.) Intertribal Dancers move around the arena sunwise—clockwise—and everyone is welcome to take part. You don’t even need to be in regalia. You can dance in your street clothes. The basic step is the same one used by traditional dancers; the ball of one foot is tapped on one beat and placed down flatly with the next, repeating the action on the opposite foot without missing a beat.
The Blanket Dance
The Blanket Dance is a means of gaining contributions from the audience for certain causes, (e.g., paying the drummers, a family in need, special programs, etc.). Sometimes a blanket dance will be held to give the spectators a chance to donate gifts or money to help defray pow wow expenses for a particular reason or person. The lead dancers hold the blanket, by each corner, and walk around the arena. The other dancers may join behind the procession. As the blanket is carried by, the spectators are given a chance to contribute by tossing money into the blanket. Please feel free to participate.
Exhibition Dances
This event gives dancers an opportunity to exhibit their specific style of dancing. It is a chance for participants to dance for the audience without being judged. Usually, each category will have an exhibition dance. For instance, the announcer will call for all the men traditional dancers to perform
Closing Ceremonies
At the end of the pow wow, the Eagle Staff is taken down by veterans and a closing prayer is given by an elder. All the dancers then follow the veterans who are carrying the Eagle Staff out. The process can be compared to a Grand Entry, only it is a Grand Exit.
source:
United American Indian Involvement (UAII) promotes the physical, behavioral, and spiritual well-being of American Indian and Alaskan Native communities in the urban Los Angeles area while preserving our cultures and traditions.
Vendor Directory
Itati Ortega (Fernandeno Tataviam) Booth #1
Totes, cups, cup sets, stickers
Felipe Dorantes Booth #2
Artisan work: copper bracelets, necklace, stones, incense, and earrings
United American Indian Involvement (UAII) Booth #9
Non-Profit/Informational
Jamie Zeballos Booth #10
Arts & Crafts
Kenneth Harris Echota (Cherokee) Booth #11
Arts & Crafts
Martha Flores Booth #12
Arts & Crafts
American Indian Student Association(AISA) Booth #13
CSUN American Indian Studies
Minor Program
Adan Rosales Booth #14
Arts & Crafts
Tomas Plata (Anahuaca) Booth #15 Arts & Crafts
The Canyon Country Optimist Club Booth #16
Non-Profit/Informational
Eagle Rabbit Booth #17 Arts & Crafts
Majorie Jensen (Navajo) Booth #18
Native American jewelry
Chumash Indian Museum Booth #19
Native American Interpretive Center in northeast Thousand Oaks, California
California Native Vote Project (CNVP) Booth #20
Non-Profit/Informational
Lita Thompson Booth #21 Arts & Crafts
Nayeli Alvarez Castro (Mexica) Booth #22 Arts & Crafts
Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Booth #23
Native sovereign nation of San Fernando, eastern Simi, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys
Maylin Marin Cakchiquel (Maya) Booth #24
Beadwork: bracelet, necklace, and earrings, textiles embroidery
Native Ways 2 College (NW2C) Booth #25
Engaging and empowering Middle School & High School Native Youth of the Los Angeles Area
Rancho Camulos Museum Booth #26
Non-Profit/Informational
Los Angeles City County
Native American
Indian Commission (LANAIC) Booth #27
Non-Profit/Informational
Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants Booth #28
Non-Profit/Informational
North Los Angeles County
Regional Center Booth #29
Non-Profit/Informational
Tina Garcia Booth #30
Arts & Crafts
Edward Cadotte (Lakota) Booth #31
Arts & Crafts
Helaida Ruiz (Otomi/Kumeyaay) Booth #32
Arts & Crafts
Disability Rights
California (DRC)) Booth #33
Non-Profit/Informational
California Trout Booth #34
Non-Profit/Informational
Dianna Bayhylle (Pawnee) Booth #35
Arts & Crafts
Victor Chupina Booth #36
Arts & Crafts
Victor Juarez Booth #37
Arts & Crafts
Nayeli Vazquez (Aztex) Booth #38
Arts & Crafts
Azteka Chichimeka
Nahuatlaka Booth #39
Native Aztec clothing, hand made jewelry. skirts, t-shirts, instruments, novelties, native toys, and stones
Kathy Stamps (Shoshone) Booth #40 Arts & Crafts
Barbara Andrade Booth #41 Arts & Crafts
Juan Ortiz-Montoya Booth #42 Arts & Crafts
Vision To Learn Booth #43
Non-Profit/Informational
SoCalGas Booth #44
Non-Profit/Informational
Congressman Mike Garcia Booth #45
Non-Profit/Informational
Mission Community Hospital Booth #46
Non-Profit/Informational
Domenico Chea Booth #47 Arts & Crafts
4th Congressional District Mike Thompson Booth #48
Non-Profit/Informational
Dr. Laurie Solis College of the Canyons
Non-Profit/Informational
Maria’s Catering & Original Kettle Corn Food
Chris Cavalier Food
Marixa Lopez Tacos and drinks
Wildhorse Cafe Indian Tacos & Frybread
Esther Castillo Food
2024 head staff
Glen Begay
Diné
Master of Ceremony
Yá’át’ééh shí éí Glen Begay yíníshyé’. Kin l ichii’nii nishłį́. Tachii’nii ’éí bá shíshchíín. Naakai dine’e’éí dashicheii. Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii’éí dashinálí.
Hello my name is Glen Begay, I am from the Redhouse clan (my mother’s clan), born for Red Streak Running into Water(father’s clan), my maternal grandfather is Mexican Clan, my paternal grandfather’s clan is Coyote Pass. My father’s name is Francis Begay and my mother’s name is Rosemary Begay. My upbringing was in a traditional way of life. I was raised by my parents who did not go to school. So, we learned our language first, then English second at a boarding school.
I was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation, at a community called Steamboat Canyon. South of there is a place called Shush bi toh, Bearspring, where I am originally from. It is an honor to be asked to come back to serve as an MC for this year’s Pow Wow.
Ahéhee’ ( Thank you)
Victor Chavez
Diné
Arena Director
Victor was born on the Isleta Pueblo Reservation. Dine`from his mother side. Victor began Arena Directing in the mid 1980’s. He has sung with numerous drum groups including Wildhorse and Bear Wolf Singers.
Victor majored in Architect Design and Structural Engineering. Self business owner of VChavez Construction. Victor thanks committee for asking him to be AD. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.
2024 head staff
Ted Garcia
Fernandeño Tataviam, Chumash Spiritual Advisor
Theodore (Ted) Garcia Jr. is the Vice Chairman of the Elders Council for his tribe, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, and has been a storyteller for decades. He is a member of traditional Tataviam lineages located in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope valleys, including Chaguayabit and Tochonabit, the lineages located in present-day Valencia and Stevenson Ranch, California. Ted is a stone carver and has created artwork for the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum, local museums and nature preserves, and has been involved with the Gene Autry Native American Marketplace for over 20 years.
Sam Sierra
Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Head man dancer
Ma’gu’Wam (Greetings). My name is Samuel Sierra. It’s an honor to be asked to be the Hart of The West Pow-Wow’s Head Man Dancer. I am half Filipino and half Tigua. I am an enrolled tribal member of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo tribe from El Paso, Texas. My family has been coming to this pow-wow for years. I live locally and grew up in this pow-wow arena. I also had my come-out as a Northern Traditional dancer at this pow-wow when I was 8 years old. I am excited to see the dancers, vendors and members of the community.
Erica Razo Head woman dancer
Erica Razo has been in education for over twenty three years in various capacities. She has worked to spread inclusion among her students and her community. Currently she is a Special Education Teacher for high school students and a mother of three children. Erica dances along side her husband and son in the arena and is honored to be part of this year’s powwow head staff. She hopes that the community enjoys their day and travels home safely.
Giovanni Thompson Giovanni Thompson Head boy dancer
I’m in the fourth grade at Dr Pendleton Elementary in San Diego, Ca. I enjoy reading and collecting Pokemon cards. I like listening to music from the 1940’s while playing Minecraft. My favorite thing to do is attend pow wows and dance for the people. I am extremely passionate about teaching and sharing my culture with others. I love to attend pow wows and dance for the people. I like hopping in with other bird singers to sing a few songs. I plans to engage in the Bird World more. I would like to thank the Hart Pow Wow Committee for this opportunity to be part of head staff. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Remember, “We are Still Here!” -Giovanni
Nyla Bellingham
Santee Sioux
Head girl dancer
Hi, my name is Nyla Bellingham. I am an enrolled tribal member of the Santee Sioux nation. Our people are located on the border of Nebraska and south Dakota. I currently live in Redondo Beach Ca. I just turned 13 years old and will start the 8th grade at Parras Middle school. My favorite subject in school is P.E. Outside of school I like to surf, play soccer, play La Crosse and hang out with friends and family. This past year I joined SRLA with Fellow community youths, coached by Phil Hale. We trained for months and I was able to run the 2024 LA marathon. When I grow up I would like to be a Beach Lifeguard.
Bear Springs
San Jacinto, CA
Northern host drum
In the summer of 1992, our family started a drum group that we named Bearspring. The name Bearspring was chosen because our family comes from Shush-bi-toh, which is the Navajo translation for “Bear’s spring.” Additionally, our Great-Grandfather’s name was Hosteen Shushbitoh and our name honors his memory and teachings. Hosteen Shushbitoh was a well-respected medicine man in our community and his legacy lives on through the teachings he has passed down within our family. We set up as Bearspring for the first time at a small, pow wow that was located on the Morongo Reservation at a feed store in 1992. There, we borrowed a drum from a group that was traveling home to Phoenix, AZ. From that humble beginning, our drum group has grown in size and we have traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada for almost 30 years now. We are also involved in our local community and we assist various organizations with dance workshops, traditional knowledge workshops, drum workshops, and other workshops as requested by the community and organizations.
Hale & Company
Pico Rivera, CA
Southern host drum
Hale & Company are from the Navajo (Diné) Nation and are originally from Oak Springs, Arizona. Their parents, the late Henry & Lucy Hale, resided in the Los Angeles area for over 65 years. Henry learned the Southern Plains style of singing and had been singing at the drum for over six decades. Hale & Company consists of two of the four sons of Henry & Lucy Hale, grandsons, great-grandson, and other relatives and friends who come from various tribal nations. Hale & Company have been participating within the Pow-Wow arena all of their lives, at first as Fancy Feather Dancers, and then as singers at the Southern Drum. Hale & Company has been host drum at many Pow-Wows throughout California and the Southwestern United States. Hale & Company would like to thank the William Hart Park Powwow Committee for providing the honor to Hale & Company, to serve as the Host Southern Drum during the 2024 William Hart Park Powwow. Hale & Company hopes that everyone has a great time and that the Creator blesses you with safe travels to and from the Pow-Wow.
Hart of the West POW WOW TRIBUTE
Philip Hale
Diné
June 18, 1967 - May 17, 2024
The Hart of the West Pow Wow committe is deeply saddened by the loss of Philip Hale who was from the Navajo tribe and belonged to the Red House Clan (Kinłichíí’nii), born for the Bitter Water Clan (Tódich’ii’nii). Phil was a beloved member the larger Native American community in Los Angeles, we affectionately called him “Phil” within our community, and his presence will be greatly missed. Phil could often be seen participating in pow-wows singing alongside his family’s Southern Drum group called “Hale and Company.” He served as the Pow-Wow director for the 28th annual UCLA Pow-Wow, and was actively involved in various pow-wows and community events within the local Native American community in Southern California. Phil dedicated himself to supporting the Native American community in Southern California especially in education. His legacy will continue to inspire, and his presence will be deeply missed, and our condolences are with the Hale family.
