For 26 Years, Hawaiian Gardens Pow Wow Has Kept Native American Traditions Alive

Robert Canada Friendship Pow Wow Returns Aug. 22-23 for Two Days of Dancing, Drumming, Ceremony and Community

By Brian Hews

HAWAIIAN GARDENS — For one of Los Angeles County’s smallest cities, Hawaiian Gardens has sustained a cultural tradition with a remarkably long reach.

The Robert Canada Friendship Pow Wow returns Aug. 22 and 23 for its 26th year, bringing Native American dancers, drummers, singers, elders, families and vendors together at the Fedde Sports Complex for a gathering that has become one of Hawaiian Gardens’ signature community events.

The tradition dates to approximately 2001 and was started by former Hawaiian Gardens Mayor Robert Canada, who was proud of his Cherokee heritage.

The earliest gathering was considerably different from the two-day event residents know today. It began as a Christmas gathering at the C. Robert Lee Activity Center, where toys were distributed to children attending with their families.

More than a quarter-century later, the gathering bearing Canada’s name has evolved into a full weekend celebrating Native American culture while retaining its emphasis on family and community.

This year’s event is sponsored by the Native community with assistance from the Hawaiian Gardens Eagles Soccer Club and will feature Native American dancing, singing and drumming, along with an Indigenous marketplace offering goods from Native artisans and vendors.

Organizers say the importance of the pow wow extends well beyond the performances.

For urban Native Americans, who may not have access to dedicated tribal or cultural gathering places, organizers describe the pow wow as something of a community center for a weekend — a place where generations gather, traditions are practiced rather than simply remembered, and cultural and spiritual connections are maintained.

That role has helped make the Hawaiian Gardens gathering particularly enduring.

Through the years, dancers in elaborate regalia have filled the arena while the steady sound of drums carries across the grounds. Families gather beneath canopies surrounding the arena, Native artists and vendors display their work, and visitors who may have little previous exposure to Native American traditions are welcomed into the celebration.

The 2026 gathering will honor former Hawaiian Gardens mayors Robert Canada and Leonard Chaidez, community member George Gonzalez and several community elders and spiritual leaders who have died.

Robert Jacobo will serve as spiritual advisor. Victor Chavez will serve as arena director, Glen Begay as master of ceremonies, Tso Richard Yanez as head man and Kat Yanez as head woman. Hale & Company will serve as Southern Host Drum and The Horses as Northern Host Drum.

Saturday’s program includes Grand Entry at noon, invocation, the Flag and Victory Song, posting of the colors, introductions of the head staff, dancing and specials. The program is scheduled to conclude at 8 p.m.

Sunday will feature the Gourd Dancers followed by Grand Entry at noon, invocation, the Flag and Victory Song, posting of the colors, dancing and specials, with the gathering concluding at 6 p.m.

All dancers and drums are welcome.

The event is free, family friendly and open to the public.

The 26th Annual Robert Canada Friendship Pow Wow will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-23, at Fedde Sports Complex, 21409 Elaine Ave. in Hawaiian Gardens.

For vendor information or additional details, contact Jesus Mendoza at [email protected].