Event Dates: September 28, 2012 - September 30, 2012

For over three decades, the Bishop Paiute Tribe hosts an inter-tribal gathering to celebrate different tribal cultures with dance and spiritual events during its annual Pabanamanina Gathering and Pow Wow on the Bishop Paiute Indian Reservation the fourth weekend in September.

The family-friendly drug- and alcohol-free festivities are open to everyone and start with a parade on Friday, California Indian Day, and continues through Sunday. Hundreds of Native American dancers, drummers and others from around the nation will descend upon Bishop to show off their regalia and their traditional regional dances.

There will also be games for the kids, music, a free barbecue Saturday of a steer cut from the Tribal herd, Native American artists selling wares, an honoring of all local veterans and the crowning of Miss Pabanamanina and a junior counterpart. Handgames, one of the oldest Owens Valley Paiute and Shoshone Indian traditions that can be traced back to some Creation stories, will also be performed.  Many contest take place to honor the Paiute way of life such as hand game tournaments, hand drum and clapper contests. The Paiute Palace Casino, which is hosting the events on its new pow wow grounds.

NOTE: These photos were taken with permission by the Inyo Register and used here with permission from the Inyo Register Editor.

Admission Fee (if any): Free

Ages Festival is Appropriate For: All