The sound of pulsing drums along with tables displaying native pottery, arrowheads and beaded bags provided the atmosphere for Native American Culture Day at Bakersfield College on Feb. 9.
BC’s Native American Cultural Awareness Club put together a day of tradition and history to allow students to discover the charisma and charm of native peoples.
“We did this to help educate people about our culture, get them interested in the culture,” said NACAC President Tamera Langdon. “Maybe it will even get people to take the class.”
Several organizations were present, including the Native American Heritage Preservation Council. According to NAHPC President Gene Albitre, they put together the Standing Bear Powwow in Bakersfield and also organize nature hikes.
Many of the performers, from drummers to dancers, said they have been doing this since they were young. They were born into it.
“You start when you’re a young kid and you kind of grow up with it,” said Benito Rojas of the Native American Council in Kern County.
Complementing the dancers and drummers were tables full of native artifacts, such as beaded bags and arrowheads. Carrie Ryanen traveled from Oceanside to be with her friends and joined in the cultural festivities. Throughout the day, she worked on a belt bag which she threaded with delicate, colorful beads. Belt bags are worn as women’s traditional dance regalia.
“Belt bags, well actually it’s called a Strike a Light Pouch,” said Ryanen. “What they would keep in here would be, traditionally, flint and steel. Now, today, it is worn with traditional regalia when they dance.”
Gary Pickett was also present, showing off his flintknapping, carving of arrowheads and art pieces. He teaches classes on the first Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hart Park.
“I found some real (arrowheads) and I just looked at them and I wondered how they made them. I just had to know,” said Pickett. “I taught myself. It’s a very long road to get to where I am right now. I never thought I’d be this good, but it just goes to show that if you really stay with something, you get pretty good.”