San Diego American Indian Health Center Pow Wow

The San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC) will host the 35th annual Balboa Park Pow Wow on May 13 and 14, 2023, from 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m., at the corner of Park Blvd. and President’s Way, San Diego, CA.

The Pow Wow is a celebration and showcase of Native American culture and traditions. Native singers, drummers, and dancers in their beautiful regalia from throughout the Southwest will gather in Balboa Park to practice their traditions and you’re invited to come and celebrate with us. Pow Wow’s are a spiritual experience for American Indians and an opportunity to preserve and pass on the customs and traditions which keep our Native heritage alive.

Randy Edmonds will serve as the event emcee, and each day, the Pow Wow will showcase traditional activities such as Kumeyaay Bird Singing, Gourd Dancing, Inter-Tribal Dancing, and Honoring of community leaders.

At this year’s event, Todd Gloria, San Diego Mayor and member of the Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska will speak on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. To follow at 3:00 p.m., the event will honor Dr. Anthony R. Pico, former chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, for his service to the Kumeyaay Nation, and for being a strong voice for self-reliance, economic development and diversification within the Native community on state and national levels. Sunday will be dedicated to honoring Mother’s Day.

San Diego American Indian Health Center promotes excellence in health care with respect for custom and tradition with the goal to reduce the significant health disparities San Diego’s Urban American Indian and under-served populations by improving the excellence of care, resulting in increased life expectancy and improved quality of life. We are a community health center who welcomes and offers services to everyone in need of quality care.

To learn more about volunteering, vendor information, donations, or other general information, contact Paula Brim at (858) 442-5033 or paula.brim@sdaihc.org.