By Roy Cook

The October 1, 2014, in a late afternoon fall evening, the sun quickly dipped into the Pacific. Never less there was a felt need in the community to gather in the traditional Native American dance circle. The Soaring Eagle youth program is always about the children. After a hot day and warm afternoon, the summer gathering held in the Pepper Tree Grove of Balboa Park, waiting for the defining clarification regarding the Ballard center meeting site, is most welcome. See past history of Soaring Eagles dance workshop. http://www.soaringeagles.americanindiansource.com/

This short evening is unique because we can see new families participating and the seeds of our Indian music, dance, respect and spirituality being introduced to new sets of families and very young dancers. We are empowered by the reception and pow wow trails traveled by past youth and parents in the Soaring Eagle experience.

Intertribal songs added to the total participation of the workshop. A final set of the popular round dance songs brought out most of the parents and children into the dance circle to finish out the night. We hope to resume meeting next in Old Town at the Ballard Center.

Honored elder Randy Edmonds provided announcements and prayers for all our community. After tostadas and additional nutritious donuts were provided by the American Indian parents and volunteers and were served by the Garcia family. We continue to enjoy quality singing by our volunteer tribal singers. Chuck Cadotte encouraged and instructed the dancers in the various popular styles of pow wow dance.

Everyone is welcome regardless of where we gather next, Mehan, thank you, aho.