Tucson's 37th Annual Wa:k Pow Wow

The Taj Mahal of the Desert in Tuscon

Mission San Xavier is the only mission in the nation still active preaching to the Tohono O'odham, a group of Native Americans who primarily reside in the Sonoran Desert .
Mission San Xavier is called the "White Dove of the Desert". The structure is an impressive example of Spanish mission architecture. The domes, carvings and arches distinguish it from other missions.
The mission was founded by Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino before 1700. The present structure was built 1783-97 by the Franciscans. The missionaries were forced to leave San Xavier in 1828 but the Franciscans returned in 1911 and since then have maintained San Xavier as a parish church and school of the Tohono O'odham. The mission was made a National Historic Landmark in 1963. The church is considered a wonderful example of Spanish Colonial architecture with baroque altars and original paintings that adorn the inside walls.

This past weekend was the 37th Annual Wa:k Pow Wow behind the San Xavier Mission del Bac Church in Tucson. Nations from across the Southwest were represented at Tucson’s largest gathering of Native American dancing, singing, arts, crafts, and food. It was a two day event and I was on another cultural/camera club field trip. We were there for the opening ceremonies. What a stunning display of pageantry with hundreds of participants covering a wide age range. This girl about 4 or 5 was the youngest one bringing up the rear of the line. Each participant carried a numbered card.

Bleachers were set up around the arena. The crowd swelled as the afternoon wore on and so did the sun. It was hot.   

Outside the arena were crafts, jewelry, trinkets, food to purchase and face painting. 

Indian Fry Pan Bread with Cinnamon and Sugar (a carb overload but the best ever treat) 

These two young ladies stopped to chat with us and proudly showed off their banners. They were so excited to be a part of the event and represent their nation. Note we did ask for permission first to take their pictures. 

 Opening ceremony remarks were filled with heartfelt speeches filled with heritage pride and love of their country. The drumming music, jingle of the bells and chanting voices added drama to the event. Rejoice-I finally found one advantage to being short. I was able to get close to the fence to get photos. 
Note on costumes hand beaded details on boots and wrist cuffs. Some photos show the multiple sewn jingle bells covering whole skirts. And feathers, oh my, quite elaborate. I wish I could have returned a second day for the singing and dancing competitions.   

What a fun afternoon. And Wa:k spelled with a colon is not a misprint.

Don't you just love the smile on this young woman's face wearing an intricate beaded headband?