The heritage of San Diego has roots that are far deeper than the Hispanic roots that we often see in Old Town. The oldest documented culture in the San Diego area is the San Diego Paleo-Indian culture, and their history here dates back to about 10,000 B. C. making the Sycuan people and their ancestors residency about 3,000 years. This means that these Native Americans were walking on this ground and living in this area before the Egyptians built the famous pyramids.
The heritage of San Diego has roots that are far deeper than the Hispanic roots that we often see in Old Town. The oldest documented culture in the San Diego area is the San Diego Paleo-Indian culture, and their history here dates back to about 10,000 B. C. making the Sycuan people and their ancestors residency about 3,000 years. This means that these Native Americans were walking on this ground and living in this area before the Egyptians built the famous pyramids.
Many groups of people have evolved from this culture and it is now very diversified. The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation are direct decedents of the Southern Diegueno, and are currently living in the Dehesa Valley. The Sycuan is one of thirteen Kumeyaay Band in San Diego County. There are a total of eighteen bands in San Diego County, more than any other County in the Country.
The moderate climate of San Diego offered the Kumeyaay the perfect place to live, and they thrived in the territory that ranged from El Centro to Escondido to Baja California. They were skilled hunters and agiculturists, cultivating the native flora. The Kumeyaay has an established cultural identity and are still practicing the honored traditions today.
One tradition that they still practice is the annual Sycuan Pow-wow. On September 7, 8 and 9 the 23rd annual Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation’s pow-wow took place allowing all to drink in the colorful culture and spirit of this culture.
There was a Drum Contest, Bird Dancing, Bird Singing, Indian Arts & Crafts, Indian Food, and Arts and Crafts. Camping was available for all who wanted to stay for all three days, and all was invited to bring their own chairs and canopy.
Beginning on Friday at 7 p.m. the Gourd Dancing startd, and then at 8:00 p.m. the Grand Entry commenced. There was a Flag Ceremony on both Saturday and Sunday and Peon Games were mixed throughout the weekend. The ceremony of the weekend was a beautiful thing to behold with colors flashing and tradition pouring out of every corner of the Sycuan Reservation.
