EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Saturday, Oct. 5 marked the 13th annual Rocking the Rez Pow Wow at the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (YDSP).
Spearheaded by the Tiguas, Rocking the Rez spans back 15 years, having only had to pause twice during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event continues Sunday.
“Here’s your chance to experience Native American culture. My pueblo has been here in El Paso over 300 years, and all we want to do is share our culture to everybody and see how beautiful it is. Come here; experience that. For my community, my Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and all the native people here, nothing but blessings to each and every one of you,” said Rafael Gomez, a tribal councilman for Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo.
A powwow is a Native American celebration in which tribes gather to express their indigenous heritage through dancing, singing, food and crafts, and by wearing distinct regalia.
This year’s Rocking the Rez Pow Wow program involved a gourd dance, the grand entry, and dancing competitions of multiple categories. All of which are vibrant displays of Native American culture.
Gomez said that their powwow has grown so much that they see people come from tribes across the country, but mainly in the Southwest region, such as Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Edd Scott, in particular, is a resident from Point of Pines, Arizona and said he has been coming to Rocking the Rez since it began 15 years ago.
Edd Scott – Resident of Point of Pines, Arizona
“I enjoy coming here and seeing all my good and old friends. I have made a lot of friends here through the competitions,” Scott said.
Scott has roots with the Ute Indian Tribe which has its origins in Utah, Colorado, and northern New Mexico, but during the powwow he performs the grass dance, which originated in the Northern Great Plains.
“I started dancing when I was 8-9 years old. I went up north and this family gave the (grass dance) to me, and what I’m wearing right now is a gift to me. It’s a healing gift,” Scott said.
On top of the visual spectacle of the dances, Rocking the Rez hosts over 50 vendors of Native American crafts, a food court, a playground for kids, and even a skate competition led by professional skaters.
Day 2 of the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at Pakitu Community Park on the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.
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