This will be our 18th annual pow-wow that we have hosted for the community. The event has grown to become the largest cultural gathering of the year organized and sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Last year's pow-wow, held on one of the valley's wonderful sunny weekends, brought thousands of people to Live Oak. The weekend includes dancing, singing and drumming by native people from our tribe and numerous other tribes. That's why we call it an "inter-tribal" pow-wow.

There are American Indian vendors selling handmade crafts and other goods. There are also plenty of food booths, offering traditional items such as fry bread and other fare.

On Oct. 19 and 20, the tribe will be hosting the seventh annual Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Days. Held on the reservation, the weekend event celebrates Native California-style singing and dancing along with storytelling and crafts. Highlights include a traditional "hand game tournament" and Native California singing contest, with prizes for first, second and third place.