MALIBU—On Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and April 9, the 19th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering will take place at Malibu Bluffs Park, at 24250 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

According to the city of Malibu website, for many generations, Native Americans from tribes all over the western and southwestern states have gathered in Malibu to sing, dance, socialize, and heal. Each spring, tribes celebrate their heritage and honor the original settlers and First Americans of the city, the Chumash.

The Chumash People historically resided in the central and southern coastal areas of California, including Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, and three of the Channel Islands. They were known for basketry, bead manufacturing, and an intricate bead currency system.

The community is welcome to attend the free two-day celebration. The event will include performances by gourd dancers, led by Native American actor Saginaw Grant, and an invocation and prayer by a Chumash-Tataviam elder. Attendees will be able to experience a variety of Native American foods, including traditional fry bread, along with arts and crafts, tribal ceremonies, guest performances, and dances.

“There will be a Chumash storyteller, Alan Salazar, who will be onsite all weekend. He educates people about the Chumash culture and tells stories that have been passed down through generations,” said Kristin Riesgo, Recreation Manager for the City of Malibu to Canyon News. “During the powwow we have a variety of dancers inside the circle (arena).  They dance to the songs of the drum groups and singers.  The arena announcer also tells people about the types of cultural dances and songs and their significance to the Native American tribes.”

According to Ms. Riesgo, there also will be invocations and introductions of city officials during the celebration.

On Saturday, April 8, the celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. On Sunday, April 9, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Grand Entry at 12 p.m. Parking and free shuttle service will be available at the corner of Webb Way and Civic Center Way.

For more information, visit www.malibucity.org/chumashday. Call the Malibu Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 317-1364 or email info@malibucity.org.