Let's meet some of our 2024 Head Staff and welcome a number of them to their first powwow head staff positions.
Head Woman - Yendi Nieto
Hello Everyone,
My name is Yendi Nieto. I am Guatemalan (Mayan) and Mexican American. Born and Raised in Los Angeles. I am an Aztec Dancer with Ollincan Yolotl which means The fortitude of our heart in movement.
I am extremely honored and excited to be The Head women as a Aztec Dancer. I am excited to share some of our dances and traditions with you all.
Yendi
Yendi C Nieto
Guatemalan (Mayan)*
Head Man - Carlos Miranda Jr.
Lios enchim aniavu . Inepo Carlos Miranda teak. Si nee enchi vaisae enche ta’akai.- May creator be with you all my name is Carlos Miranda jr . It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Yoeme(Yaqui) born and raised in the city of la puente California. I am 19 years old. I dance the northern traditional style. This dance has helped me through the good time and the bad times. I am honored to have been asked to serve as this years Head Man And I hope to share my ways and my dance with you all this June. Ito te vitne( until next time)
Head Young Woman - Laila Ali
Laila Ali is of Yaqui descent and an active member of Yaquis of Southern California. Laila loves to sing and play her ukulele. She is currently a sophomore at Sweetwater High School and a member of their dance team. Laila has always had a love for performance and dance. She spent several seasons on the Mini Shock Dance troupe, attended acrobatics, and has danced jingle for 5 years.
After learning several women in our community were battling breast cancer, Laila decided to wear a pink cone on her jingle dress in solidarity with those fighting. She also wears a bandana on her belt for breast cancer awareness. As Laila dances she uses her dress as a means of prayer and healing for those fighting breast cancer.
Laila is very honored to serve as your Head Girl at Redbird’s 2024 Children of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow.
Head Young Man - Gabriel Razo
Gabriel's family comes form the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Yaqui people of Sonora, Mexico. He is a sophomore at Edgewood High, where he is a 3.5 triathlete. He participates in school sports all year round. He is on the varsity water polo team, the wrestling team and the swim team. Gabriel's favorite subject is history and he plans to attend a college where he can continue to learn and serve his community through a Native American Studies program. Gabriel has been an active member in his community, sharing what he has learned about his culture by participating in classroom education, fundraising and short documentaries. Gabriel has been dancing northern traditional style since the age of ten. He started dancing with UAII's NADDAR program where he connected his love of dancing with his passion to learn about his people. Gabriel loves to dance, whether it is on the pool deck with his team mates, in the powwow arena or to raise funds to feed third world countries. Gabriel is honored to be teen boy at this year's powwow and looks forward to seeing everyone in the arena.
Master of Ceremonies and Sound Engineer - Michael Runningwind
Former United States Marine Corps Sergeant and Combat Veteran.
Michael, born in Fresno California. His Mother is Esther “BrokenArrow” Martinez, and The late Jesu’ Villanueva, Raised by his blended Father Robert Cruz. He is SENECA and Mescalero APACHE, His maternal clan is Wolf clan, people of the Big Mountain, Sootootsie, Paternal line Mushcalé &
Bed-on-kohe Ndee.
He Graduated from Roosevelt High School 1997, continued his education at Fresno Community College.1998 Michael joined the world’s finest The United States Marine Corps. After 3 months of recruit training & 2 months at Infantry training battalion he Was Assigned to 2nd battalion 3rdMarines. 2uears in attaining the prestige Rank of NCO (noncommissioned officer) Corporal, he reenlisted & was assigned to Marine Corps Forces Pacific, under the Assistance Chief of staffs & Generals G3 office, picked up the rank of Sergeant & his last 18 months with 3rdBattalion 3rd Marines; Training new Marines, as a Marine Corps Martial Arts instructor, Squad leader and platoon guide, readying Marines for the rigors of combat. Michael participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom One, Two, Three, & Afghanistan Campaigns. The 8 years of his life in the military has been a rewarding experience; continuity of Honor, Courage and Commitment is a precedence of his life & he is grateful to be in the service of the people.
He is a recent graduate of the Art Institute of California, San Diego & San Bernardino with an Associates of Science in Audio Production and a concentration In literary arts.
He is a former MMA Fighter,continuing martial arts practitioner, a former green belt instructor in Marine Corps Martial arts, a Wing Chun, JKD,Chinese boxing practitioner.
Currently working as a Pow Wow dance instructor at Tejon Tribal offices teaching kids of all ages this good way of life.
Michael has been adopted to many relatives; the late Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman, Chief Oliver Red Cloud (Lakota), Jewel Hanson Crow (Crow Nation) Belonging to family matriarch of the “American Horse” “Her Many Horses”& “Two Bulls Family”. Sundance Leader Frank Settee (Cree, Ojibwa, Lakota) has given him rights through Sun dance, as a Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge keeper, and whistle carrier. He was inducted by Larry Hendrix (Northern Cheyenne) as a member of the disbanded “Black Wolf Warrior Society”. Including taking on a Big Brother Mario Sanchez and the Warren Ashmore Family, Michaels love for truth, martial arts and his affinity for sound, are his passions, giving the music of life to that may hear. Niyawh;n Aho!
About the Redbird Children of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow
The Children of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow is our signature event. It began in 1994 on a horse ranch in Moorpark when the owner of the ranch announced, twelve days before his own annual fundraiser, that there would be a powwow, and that Redbird would put it on. The Sarcinella family and a number of other community members came together in a sometimes humorous and slightly frantic effort to put together a proper gathering. We had twelve dancers, including Saginaw Grant; our drum was Red Spirit, who arrived slightly late, one singer at a time...their house had caught fire the night before. It was hot and dusty and the ground was hard and there was no shade. And we learned so many things about the honor, commitment, selflessness, generosity and pride that goes into being part of a powwow, and the tremendous responsibility it is to host such a gathering.
Understanding some little bit of that responsibility, we realized a powwow is not a party, or a fundraiser, or something you do to bring attention to yourself. Later that same year, Oren Lyons, Turtle Clan and Faithkeeper of the Onendaga Nation, spoke at Claremont College. One thing he said particularly resonated with Redbird's founder. Lyons said "Every woman is a mother, and every man an uncle, to every child, no matter what color they are." He spoke to our responsibility as human beings to care for the planet and the seven generations to come. He spoke to the need for right action in all of our affairs and on all levels of interaction, from personal to world governments.
If, in some way, a powwow could embody this philosophy, could remind people of this fundamental message, then it was worth the effort to continue. And so the Children of Many Colors Powwow came to be.
Redbird's 2024 Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow
June 7-9, 2024
Oxnard College Gymnasium Field (outdoors, on grass)
4000 S. Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033
Free admission, everyone welcome
Native American singing, dancing, arts, crafts and food
Friday evening 6 PM Open flute circle and vendor preview
(All wind instruments and their players welcome, open mic, all experience levels welcome)
Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM Native American Powwow
Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM Native American Powwow
(Veteran's Honoring 11:30 AM approximate, all Veterans welcome)
Generous contributions from Southern California Edison, the Moon Family Trust,Oxnard College, Ventura County Community Foundation, The Tejon Tribe and Tule River Yokuts have made the 22nd Redbird powwow possible.
A powwow is a Native American cultural celebration. Community powwows are important social and cultural events, weaving together the lives of native people across an urban fabric. Redbird's powwow is an intertribal gathering which prides itself in creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for both participants and visitors.
Powwows are true cultural gatherings, not performances. Redbird's powwow offers a number of opportunities for multicultural immersion without compromising the integrity of the gathering. Our Friday evening open flute circle invites all wind instruments and their players to enjoy a relaxed coming together and an open microphone format. People of all ethnicities, skill levels and ages are welcome to share their music.
A powwow includes singing, dancing, drumming, traditional music, arts, crafts and food. Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday there will be intertribal dances. During these sets of songs, guests are welcome in the dance arena. There are some dress and conduct guidelines and you probably are familiar with them - revealing clothing is not appropriate for men or women, touching dancers' hair, feathers or regalia is not okay, and children should not be allowed to run through the arena.
On Sunday morning around 11:30 AM there will be a Veterans' honoring. All Veterans regardless of ethnicity or branch of service are welcome and encouraged to participate.
We offer the powwow as an event that we hope bridges ethnic and socio-economic boundaries in a healthy way, without compromising its integrity as an indigenous cultural gathering.
There is no charge for admission, and everyone is welcome. Oxnard College is very close to the ocean and so the weather is typically mild with the potential for fog/mist/moisture/high humidity.
Redbird will provide spectator seating on the arena with folding chairs and canopies. Guests planning to stay a while are welcome to bring their own shade canopies. There will be space between the vendors and the dance arena for visitor canopies.
Best contact method - by email at redbirds_vision@hotmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/RedbirdsVision
https://www.facebook.com/ChilaoSchool
Head Woman - Yendi Nieto
Hello Everyone,
My name is Yendi Nieto. I am Guatemalan (Mayan) and Mexican American. Born and Raised in Los Angeles. I am an Aztec Dancer with Ollincan Yolotl which means The fortitude of our heart in movement.
I am extremely honored and excited to be The Head women as a Aztec Dancer. I am excited to share some of our dances and traditions with you all.
Yendi
Yendi C Nieto
Guatemalan (Mayan)*
Head Man - Carlos Miranda Jr.
Lios enchim aniavu . Inepo Carlos Miranda teak. Si nee enchi vaisae enche ta’akai.- May creator be with you all my name is Carlos Miranda jr . It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Yoeme(Yaqui) born and raised in the city of la puente California. I am 19 years old. I dance the northern traditional style. This dance has helped me through the good time and the bad times. I am honored to have been asked to serve as this years Head Man And I hope to share my ways and my dance with you all this June. Ito te vitne( until next time)
Head Young Woman - Laila Ali
Laila Ali is of Yaqui descent and an active member of Yaquis of Southern California. Laila loves to sing and play her ukulele. She is currently a sophomore at Sweetwater High School and a member of their dance team. Laila has always had a love for performance and dance. She spent several seasons on the Mini Shock Dance troupe, attended acrobatics, and has danced jingle for 5 years.
After learning several women in our community were battling breast cancer, Laila decided to wear a pink cone on her jingle dress in solidarity with those fighting. She also wears a bandana on her belt for breast cancer awareness. As Laila dances she uses her dress as a means of prayer and healing for those fighting breast cancer.
Laila is very honored to serve as your Head Girl at Redbird’s 2024 Children of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow.
Head Young Man - Gabriel Razo
Gabriel's family comes form the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Yaqui people of Sonora, Mexico. He is a sophomore at Edgewood High, where he is a 3.5 triathlete. He participates in school sports all year round. He is on the varsity water polo team, the wrestling team and the swim team. Gabriel's favorite subject is history and he plans to attend a college where he can continue to learn and serve his community through a Native American Studies program. Gabriel has been an active member in his community, sharing what he has learned about his culture by participating in classroom education, fundraising and short documentaries. Gabriel has been dancing northern traditional style since the age of ten. He started dancing with UAII's NADDAR program where he connected his love of dancing with his passion to learn about his people. Gabriel loves to dance, whether it is on the pool deck with his team mates, in the powwow arena or to raise funds to feed third world countries. Gabriel is honored to be teen boy at this year's powwow and looks forward to seeing everyone in the arena.
Master of Ceremonies and Sound Engineer - Michael Runningwind
Former United States Marine Corps Sergeant and Combat Veteran.
Michael, born in Fresno California. His Mother is Esther “BrokenArrow” Martinez, and The late Jesu’ Villanueva, Raised by his blended Father Robert Cruz. He is SENECA and Mescalero APACHE, His maternal clan is Wolf clan, people of the Big Mountain, Sootootsie, Paternal line Mushcalé &
Bed-on-kohe Ndee.
He Graduated from Roosevelt High School 1997, continued his education at Fresno Community College.1998 Michael joined the world’s finest The United States Marine Corps. After 3 months of recruit training & 2 months at Infantry training battalion he Was Assigned to 2nd battalion 3rdMarines. 2uears in attaining the prestige Rank of NCO (noncommissioned officer) Corporal, he reenlisted & was assigned to Marine Corps Forces Pacific, under the Assistance Chief of staffs & Generals G3 office, picked up the rank of Sergeant & his last 18 months with 3rdBattalion 3rd Marines; Training new Marines, as a Marine Corps Martial Arts instructor, Squad leader and platoon guide, readying Marines for the rigors of combat. Michael participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom One, Two, Three, & Afghanistan Campaigns. The 8 years of his life in the military has been a rewarding experience; continuity of Honor, Courage and Commitment is a precedence of his life & he is grateful to be in the service of the people.
He is a recent graduate of the Art Institute of California, San Diego & San Bernardino with an Associates of Science in Audio Production and a concentration In literary arts.
He is a former MMA Fighter,continuing martial arts practitioner, a former green belt instructor in Marine Corps Martial arts, a Wing Chun, JKD,Chinese boxing practitioner.
Currently working as a Pow Wow dance instructor at Tejon Tribal offices teaching kids of all ages this good way of life.
Michael has been adopted to many relatives; the late Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman, Chief Oliver Red Cloud (Lakota), Jewel Hanson Crow (Crow Nation) Belonging to family matriarch of the “American Horse” “Her Many Horses”& “Two Bulls Family”. Sundance Leader Frank Settee (Cree, Ojibwa, Lakota) has given him rights through Sun dance, as a Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge keeper, and whistle carrier. He was inducted by Larry Hendrix (Northern Cheyenne) as a member of the disbanded “Black Wolf Warrior Society”. Including taking on a Big Brother Mario Sanchez and the Warren Ashmore Family, Michaels love for truth, martial arts and his affinity for sound, are his passions, giving the music of life to that may hear. Niyawh;n Aho!
About the Redbird Children of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow
The Children of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow is our signature event. It began in 1994 on a horse ranch in Moorpark when the owner of the ranch announced, twelve days before his own annual fundraiser, that there would be a powwow, and that Redbird would put it on. The Sarcinella family and a number of other community members came together in a sometimes humorous and slightly frantic effort to put together a proper gathering. We had twelve dancers, including Saginaw Grant; our drum was Red Spirit, who arrived slightly late, one singer at a time...their house had caught fire the night before. It was hot and dusty and the ground was hard and there was no shade. And we learned so many things about the honor, commitment, selflessness, generosity and pride that goes into being part of a powwow, and the tremendous responsibility it is to host such a gathering.
Understanding some little bit of that responsibility, we realized a powwow is not a party, or a fundraiser, or something you do to bring attention to yourself. Later that same year, Oren Lyons, Turtle Clan and Faithkeeper of the Onendaga Nation, spoke at Claremont College. One thing he said particularly resonated with Redbird's founder. Lyons said "Every woman is a mother, and every man an uncle, to every child, no matter what color they are." He spoke to our responsibility as human beings to care for the planet and the seven generations to come. He spoke to the need for right action in all of our affairs and on all levels of interaction, from personal to world governments.
If, in some way, a powwow could embody this philosophy, could remind people of this fundamental message, then it was worth the effort to continue. And so the Children of Many Colors Powwow came to be.
Redbird's 2024 Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow
June 7-9, 2024
Oxnard College Gymnasium Field (outdoors, on grass)
4000 S. Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033
Free admission, everyone welcome
Native American singing, dancing, arts, crafts and food
Friday evening 6 PM Open flute circle and vendor preview
(All wind instruments and their players welcome, open mic, all experience levels welcome)
Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM Native American Powwow
Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM Native American Powwow
(Veteran's Honoring 11:30 AM approximate, all Veterans welcome)
Generous contributions from Southern California Edison, the Moon Family Trust,Oxnard College, Ventura County Community Foundation, The Tejon Tribe and Tule River Yokuts have made the 22nd Redbird powwow possible.
A powwow is a Native American cultural celebration. Community powwows are important social and cultural events, weaving together the lives of native people across an urban fabric. Redbird's powwow is an intertribal gathering which prides itself in creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere for both participants and visitors.
Powwows are true cultural gatherings, not performances. Redbird's powwow offers a number of opportunities for multicultural immersion without compromising the integrity of the gathering. Our Friday evening open flute circle invites all wind instruments and their players to enjoy a relaxed coming together and an open microphone format. People of all ethnicities, skill levels and ages are welcome to share their music.
A powwow includes singing, dancing, drumming, traditional music, arts, crafts and food. Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday there will be intertribal dances. During these sets of songs, guests are welcome in the dance arena. There are some dress and conduct guidelines and you probably are familiar with them - revealing clothing is not appropriate for men or women, touching dancers' hair, feathers or regalia is not okay, and children should not be allowed to run through the arena.
On Sunday morning around 11:30 AM there will be a Veterans' honoring. All Veterans regardless of ethnicity or branch of service are welcome and encouraged to participate.
We offer the powwow as an event that we hope bridges ethnic and socio-economic boundaries in a healthy way, without compromising its integrity as an indigenous cultural gathering.
There is no charge for admission, and everyone is welcome. Oxnard College is very close to the ocean and so the weather is typically mild with the potential for fog/mist/moisture/high humidity.
Redbird will provide spectator seating on the arena with folding chairs and canopies. Guests planning to stay a while are welcome to bring their own shade canopies. There will be space between the vendors and the dance arena for visitor canopies.
Best contact method - by email at redbirds_vision@hotmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/RedbirdsVision
https://www.facebook.com/ChilaoSchool