Southern California Indian Center's American Indian Cultural Festival and 48th Annual Pow Wow

Southern California Native Communities Stand with Standing Rock

Southern California Indian Center's 48th Annual Pow Wow and 2016 American Indian Cultural Festival will honor the Water Protectors of Standing Rock Camp this Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 1:30 pm at Orange County Fair and Event Center

Orange County Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa--Saturday, November 19--In a show of solidarity with the water protectors in Standing Rock, the Southern California Indian Center's (SCIC) 48th Annual Pow Wow will  include an Honoring and collect donations and supplies for a caravan traveling to the Oceti Sakowin camp, near the Cannonball River in North Dakota.

The caravan, organized by Lakota People's Law Project patron Mark Sims, in collaboration with Red Lightning, will leave for North Dakota following an Intertribal dance at 1:30 pm honoring the people standing in support of clean water and equal access to a healthy environment.

"Nearly 2,000 miles from camp you have the SCIC supporting the water protectors, showing  just how important this fight is, not only for clean water but also for Native American rights," said Daniel Sheehan, who will be driving with the caravan as the Chief Counsel for the Lakota People's Law Project.

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) has been decried by more than one hundred tribes and organizations across the country as a dangerous project that has already destroyed sacred places and could toxify the large Ogallala aquifer serving several states, as well as contaminate the waterways used by the people of Standing Rock and 17 million people downstream from the Missouri River.

Earlier this week, on Monday, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that more analysis and discussion with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is needed before construction can take place under Lake Oahe (the reservoir on the Missouri River). The Army Corps says they'll work with the tribe on a timeline "that allows for robust discussion and analysis to be completed expeditiously."

In preparing for the harsh winter climate, the camp is requesting a specific list of winter supplies that includes: Sleeping mats, cots, Pendleton or Hudson Bay Co. blankets, sub-zero sleeping bags, bulk food supplies, heating stoves for tents, insulated boots and gloves, work gloves, tools, etc. Please, no used clothing. Community members are encouraged and welcome to bring donations and supplies that will be delivered to the camp by the caravan.

The caravan will be parked in the parking lot of the Orange County Fairgrounds to receive donated supplies and materials. All financial contributions will go towards Legal Defense of the camp and the Water Protectors that are being arrested in non-violent protest.

The public is invited to enjoy American Indian dancing, singing, and information about Inter-Tribal Pow Wow dancing.  Many Artisans and Crafters will have traditional and contemporary items for sale; buy a unique American Indian made items for your love ones. There will also be a demonstrating area for storytelling, craft making, beadwork, quilts, Indian crafts, and drawings.  Children will also have an opportunity to make crafts too.

Serving the American Indian community of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties for 48 years, Southern California Indian Center, Inc. provides much needed support and assistance in the areas of Workforce Development, Education, Family Support, Multimedia Training, and much more.

"There is Future in Tradition!"

Southern California Indian Center, Inc.  has been at the forefront of promoting social and economic self-sufficiency for the American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian populations of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties for 48 years of service.  SCIC provides much needed services to the largest concentration of Natives in the Nation.  SCIC provides Workforce Development, Child Advocacy, Family Services, Food Pantry, Supportive Services, Educational and Cultural activities and Cultural events. 

Lakota People's Law Project has been partnering with tribes and leaders in South Dakota since 2005 exposing serious daily State violations of the Indian Child Welfare Act. LPLP funded and supported Native American experts to work with the tribes in applying for federal IV-E planning grants to create tribally run child and family service programs. Pine Ridge and Standing Rock Reservations received the Planning grants and are taking steps to develop their own program. Staff members have been on the ground at the Oceti Sakowin camp as water protectors, documenting and supporting the call to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline. LPLP is a subsidiary of the Romero Institute, a nonprofit public policy center focused on dismantling structural sources of injustice and creating positive solutions. Read more at www.lakotalaw.org

Red Lightning has been supporting the water protectors at Standing Rock by providing heaters, solar panels and other much needed items. They've been working with water protectors since the beginning of October, and are now focusing on building shelters for the freezing winter. A small village which includes a 44ft dome is under construction, and will be powered by solar via a mobile generator. Red Lighting is a nonprofit organization under the umbrella of Empowerment Works, Inc., a global sustainability think-tank that promotes global collaboration in support of local solutions. Read more at www.redlightning.org/standingrock/

Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161117/440953

SOURCE Southern California Indian Center, Inc.

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