60th Annual Intertribal Powwow & 20th Annual Chumash Charity Golf Classic

News from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians marks two milestone anniversaries. This year is their 60^th Annual Intertribal Powwow and the 20^th Annual Charity Golf Classic that benefits local nonprofits.

Celebrating 60 Years

The annual intertribal powwow is open to the public and takes place Saturday, October 4, 10 am – 10pm, and Sunday, October 5, from 10 am to 6 pm. The event is located at the corner of Meadowvale Road and Highway 246 in Santa Ynez. Admission is $5 and parking is free.

In his press release statement, Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians shared, “This year’s annual Chumash Intertribal Powwow is extra special as we mark 60 years since our tribe’s first powwow in Santa Ynez. We look forward to welcoming tribes from throughout North America to celebrate our heritage and culture.” 

The powwow is the annual effort of a committee of Chumash tribal volunteers who plan, organize, and operate the two-day event, with the goal of providing educational and cultural experiences, focusing on Native American music, arts and customs while promoting Native American self-reliance and pride. It features hundreds of members of tribal nations from throughout the U.S. and Canada who compete for the over $155,000 cash prizes in dancing and drumming competitions, from young children to 70 years and older. Dance styles include traditional, straight, fancy, grass, jingle dress, buckskin, cloth, and chicken. There are also informational booths and vendors selling traditional native food, regalia and arts and crafts.

20^th Charity Golf Classic

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians held their annual Chumash Charity Golf Classic for three days on September 23 to 25 to raise funds for three mental health organizations in Santa Barbara County. The lucky recipients are Angels Foster Care, Child Abuse Listening Mediation (CALM) and Mental Wellness Center.

Kahn shared, “The Chumash Charity Golf Classic allows us to support organizations that are making a real difference in people’s lives. Angels Foster Care provides safe, nurturing homes for infants and toddlers in need; CALM works tirelessly to prevent child abuse and support healing; and the Mental Wellness Center offers vital resources for those in need. We’re proud to help strengthen their efforts through this year’s event.”

All of the recipients’ representatives stated they are honored to have been selected as beneficiaries of the Chumash Charity Golf Classic, and to carry on the important work they provide those in need of care and mental health programs – from children through adults.  

Since its inaugural event in 2005, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ annual golf tournament has raised over $2 million for local charities and nonprofits. Past beneficiaries have included Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County, Lompoc Family YMCA, Unity Shoppe, Alzheimer’s Association Central Coast Chapter, Good Samaritan Shelter, local schools, local museums and more.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $30 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. 

411: www.chumash.gov/foundation or call 805-688-7997