2019 Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow
All are welcome to the 29th Annual Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow on September 27-29, 2019 in Banning, California. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, sponsors of the Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow hope you join us in celebration of our Native American heritage and traditions. This is a time to reaffirm old ways and share in the discovery of new. To our elders we extend a special welcome. Our children look to you for the lessons and Examples in how to carry ancient memory, tradition, and culture into their modern world. Our Tribal family is extended today by the presence of members of communities near and far.
Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow
There are no “spectators” at a Powwow. All who attend are regarded as participants. Each of Us has a place in the circle of people. Within this circle there is no beginning and no end. This coming together is at the heart of the traditional Powwow.
Historically, singing and dancing have always been an integral focus at Pow Wows. Competitive singing and dancing for prize money is a fairly recent development. Only registered participants can participate in the dancing contest, but when an “inter-tribal” dance is announced, everyone, including visitors, can take part.
Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow was named the number 1# contest Powwow in 2009 from viewers at Powwow.com. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience both Native American culture and Morongo Hospitality. We hope you will enjoy every moment of the festivities.
Public Welcome – Free Admission
Morongo Pow Wow Grand Entry Schedule
Friday 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 1:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m.
Open Bird Singing & Dancing Schedule
Friday 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow Gallery Preview
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Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow Head Staff
EMCEE: To Be Announced
NORTHERN ARENA DIRECTOR: To Be Announced
SOUTHERN ARENA DIRECTOR: To Be Announced
HEAD NORTHERN DANCE JUDGE: To Be Announced
HEAD SOUTHERN DANCE JUDGE: To Be Announced
HEAD DRUM JUDGE: To Be Announced
BIRD SINGING/DANCING & To Be Announced
TABULATOR: To Be Announced
Tentative Morogo Powwow Schedule
[su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”Friday”]
4:00pm Morongo Indian Market Opens; Registration for all activities;
4:00pm Blessing of dance arena; Open Bird Singing & Dancing
7:45pm Drum Call
8:00pm Color Guard Grand Entry; Introductions, Dance Contests
12:00am Closing (time is approximate)[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion][su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”Saturday”]
10:00am Morongo Indian Market Opens
11:00am Open Bird Singing & Dancing
12:45pm Drum Call
1:00pm Grand Entry; Intertribal Dancing, Dance Contests
2:00pm Powwow Registration Closes
5:00pm Bird Contest; Dinner (5pm-7pm)
6:45pm Drum Call
8:00pm Grand Entry; Intertribal Dancing, Dance Contests
12:00am Closing (time is approximate)[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion][su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”Sunday”]
11:00am Morongo Indian Market Open
12:45pm Drum Call
1:00pm Grand Entry; Intertribal Dancing, Dance Contests, Drum Contests
6:00am Closing (time is approximate)[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]
Morongo Pow Wow Dance Categories
Senior Golden Age Men, 65+: No. & So. Combined
Senior Golden Age Women, 65+: No. & So. Combined
Golden Age Men, 50-64: No. & So. Combined
Golden Age Women, 50-64: No. & So. Combined
Senior Adult Men, 35-49: No. & So. Traditional, Grass, No. & So. Fancy, Chicken Dance
Senior Adult Women, 35-49: No. Stationary / Walkaround Style, So. Buckskin, So. Cloth, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl
Junior Adult Men, 18-34: No. Traditional, So. Straight, Grass, No. & So. Fancy, Chicken Dance
Junior Adult Women, 18-34: No. Stationary / Walkaround Style, So. Buckskin, So. Cloth, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl
Teen Boys, 13-17: No. Traditional, So. Straight, Grass, No. & So. Fancy
Teen Girls, 13 – 17: No. Stationary / Walkaround Style, So. Buckskin, So. Cloth, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl
Junior Teen Boys, 6-12: Traditional, Grass Dance, Fancy
Junior Teen Girls, 6-12: Traditional, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl
Tiny Tots, 5 and Under
CAHUILLA BIRD SONGS AND DANCES
In addition to the intertribal powwow style dancing and contest dancing that is much like you would see at any powwow from coast to coast, the Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow also feature Bird Songs and Dances that are traditional to them.
The bird songs and dances of the Cahuilla Indians chronicle the experiences and responses of the Cahuilla people as they migrated south. Through bird metaphor and allegory, the songs also act as lessons that instruct tribal members about stages in their lives. They are reminded that there is a proper time to “leave the nest” and start a family; that parents must let go of their maturing children.
[su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”Read More”] The original Cahuilla Bird Songs were composed of more than 300 pieces that formed a cycle of stories. Songs were sung in a precise order that accurately accounted for the chronology of the migration. In a traditional setting where the complete cycle of songs were sung, the singing began at dusk symbolizing the beginning of the journey and ended at dawn – symbolic of the return home.
Protocol for singing these songs is less strict in structure than some Native American traditions where only specially designated individuals are allowed to perform certain ceremonies. Today, tribal descendants with singing talent are trained to sing the songs. Unlike many Native American dances, bird songs use no drums for accompaniment. Rhythm is supplied by gourd or tortoise-shell rattles filled with palm seeds.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]
Location & Directions
Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow Site
12700 Pumarra Rd, Banning, CA 92220
morongonation.org
(951) 849-4697
[su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”Directions”] The Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow is located just off I-10 in Cabazon, approximately 20 minutes west of Palm Springs. Coming from the West on Interstate 10, you can exit on Morongo Trail. Turn left (North) off of the exit. Turn right (East) on Seminole Drive. Follow the signs to the pow wow site.
Coming from the East on Interstate 10, you can exit at the Apache Trail exit. Turn right (North) off of the exit. Turn left (West) on Seminole Drive. Follow the signs to the Pow Wow site.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]
More Morongo Pow Wow Information
Pow Wow Coordinator, Denisa Torres
Phone: (800) 849-4697, ext. 5165
Email: dtorres@morongo-nsn.gov
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow on the fourth weekend in September in Banning, California.
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