She said she likes to see her daughter’s classmates learn about her culture. “We’ve completed the circle,” said her mom, Denise Silvas-Thomas, of the Soboba Reservation. Shayna Silvas-Thomas, 10, first attended the powwow preview when she was a student at Soboba Tribal Preschool. “It’s amazing (Soboba) has this opportunity for us.” “When we learn about the different regalia and clothing styles, they will be able to relate it to this presentation,” Wohltman said. Kelly Wohltman, a teacher at Estudillo Elementary for eight years, said the field trip is a great segue into what the students are learning about in class. She said offering the educational field trip encourages her own tribe’s youth to dance. “It takes about an hour to an hour and a half for all three of us to get ready.” “They learned from me and through watching dancers at powwows,” said Goodfield, a Soboba tribal member. Joanna Goodfield, of French Valley, participates each year in the Fancy Shawl dance competition and has recently gotten her children involved as well. Only about 10 schools, mostly from San Jacinto school district, were able to attend this year. The Soboba Casino offers gas vouchers for the schools to go, but about 60 requested transportation too since they didn’t have extra buses to make the trip. Any exposure to other cultures makes a more well-rounded person.” “The kids look forward to fifth grade because of this trip. “This is a great way to expose our kids to a culture that is predominant in their community,” said Dave Cooper, a teacher at Megan Cope Elementary School in San Jacinto. He led a customary prayer that included a blessing that the children in attendance would see, hear and feel the dances included in the preview. We still practice our traditions as part of our daily lives.” “It’s a way to break those myths that Native Americans are part of the past. “This (event) is what I like - it’s about celebrating and teaching the young people,” said Phillips, who has been part of the Soboba powwow for 15 years.

The one-hour program introduced them to the diversity of Native Americans throughout the country with dance and song.Īnnouncer Tom Phillips, who will serve as the Southern emcee during the weekend of activities, welcomed the students and explained the meaning of different dances and the regalia of many tribes that were represented. Nearly 1,500 area fifth-graders were treated to a preview of the 16th annual Soboba Inter-tribal Powwow on Friday, Sept.

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