Linda Nagy
On Saturday, March 17, 2018, twelve members of the SaddleBrooke Photography Club traveled south of Tucson to witness the 36th annual Walk Pow Wow sponsored by the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham (desert people) tribe. The Tohono O’odham tribe inhabits 2.8 million acres of desert landscape with 28,000 enrolled members living in 11 individually-governed districts. The San Xavier District sponsored event fittingly took place on the grounds of the historic Mission San Xavier Del Bac, “The White Dove of the Desert.”
This Pow Wow is Tucson’s largest gathering of authentic Native American arts and crafts, food and dancing. There was plenty of color and action to see and photograph during the day. The highlight of the event was the grand entry procession led by a color guard carrying the US flag, the Arizona flag, the Tohono O’odham Nation flag, and the Prisoners of War flag. Next came the dancers and participants all in elaborate, authentic Native American dress. With chanting and drums beating, the Pow Wow procession filled the arena to the delight of the spectators.
Throughout the day dance contest categories were held for the very young to adult men and women. Cash prizes were awarded for the top three winners in each dance category so the Pow Wow draws participants from the states of New Mexico, California, Oklahoma, the Dakotas and more.
The SaddleBrooke Photo Club members had ample opportunity to capture many striking and colorful images. The club is open to all levels of photographers and has open studio Wednesday and Friday mornings in the Agate Room of SaddleBrooke TWO. There are also planned outings throughout the year and a general meeting once a month. For more information check the website, www.SaddlebrookePhotographyClub.com.