Wípazuka Wastè Win Moon of the June Berries
Similar to earlier days when Lakota camp circles moved often during summer months, we have begun our summer travels. In this post we share highlights from our trip to California for the Powwows at UCLA and Stanford.
UCLA Powwow was well attended despite gusty winds and ominous clouds that eventually broke with rainfall on the last day, making it a challenge to keep our tent in place. 
The following Thursday we arrived in Palo Alto for the Stanford Powwow held annually on Mother’s Day weekend. While unseasonably cool, weather was more cooperative. Hundreds of dancers and several thousand visitors attended all three days of the event, which is sponsored by the Stanford American Indian Association SAIO. We’re grateful for the students, staff and faculty who made the 46th Annual Stanford Powwow a success.
As always we spent time with ‘old’ friends and made new ones making the weekend past quickly. This year we set up our booth in a way that facilitated visitors to spend time asking questions about our exhibits.
Many moments ‘filled our hearts’ as people stopped by, including millennial Natives, Stanford students and alums Noah and Triana and Megan-Oglala Lakota – who gave the student commencement address at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her inspiring words summarize the dreams and aspirations we have for our young, including for little Oscate waci win, ‘powwow dancer woman’ who put on her first pair of moccasins at our booth and literally danced out once she heard the drums calling her to the circle.
Our dear friend Sioux Swanson, 
also from Pine Ridge was chosen to lead the opening prayers on Sunday, which she did-first in Lakota and then English.
After a busy and enriching weekend we packed our pickup– aka red war pony and began the three day trek back to Pine Ridge South Dakota. Powwows, presentations and more fill the summer days of Blokétu/Warm Moons. Visit our Facebook page often for ongoing summer updates and travel plans. We look forward to seeing you!