Tachi Hotel Resort Casino hosts 21st Annual Santa Rosa Rancheria Pow Wow

Representatives from tribes across the United States and Canada gathered for the event inside the  Yokut Hall, just South of the hotel. Native Americans who attended came from California, Washington State, North Dakota, Nebraska, and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

The festivities began Saturday morning with Gourd Dances, followed by the Grand Entry of all the tribes present and a lengthy list of dignitaries, including Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker, Kings County Supervisors Doug Verboon and Richard Valle.  Congressman David Valadao, who represents this area, also showed up.

Tiny Tots Jr., Teens, and Golden Age contests were held as the afternoon turned to evening.

Outside, food and traditional Native American wares were offered for sale by dozens of vendors. Lines for both were long for items like traditional Fry Bread and several taco trucks with countless variations on an American staple.

At the end of the day, hundreds of guests to the Rancheria gained a new and better understanding of the culture of their neighbors down from Highway 198 and 18th Avenue.