40.4 F
Reno

Photos: Reno-Sparks Indian Colony hosts Numaga Indian Days competition

Date:

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

International event brings thousands to region

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony is hosting its annual Numaga Indian Days Powwow and Handgames this weekend in Hungry Valley. The 35th Annual Numaga Indian Days celebration features traditional family friendly events. 

Dancers from all over North America compete each day this weekend. Powwow singers and drummers also face off in competition with $16,000 in total prize money at stake.

“The powwow is named after Chief Numaga, the famous Paiute Chief, known for peace. Numaga translated to the English language, means ‘Giver / Generous Leader,’” according to Bethany Sam with the Indian Colony. “His successful peace negotiations before and after the Battle of Pyramid Lake helped set a precedent for future disputes.

“Throughout his lifetime, Numaga was a visionary leader and had the courage to advocate on behalf of all native people over the loss of habitable land, food sources, traditional spiritual teachings and culture.”

The event takes place every Labor Day weekend in Hungry Valley, located 7 miles past Spanish Springs High School. Though often overlooked by locals, some residents, like Reno resident Marissa Nicole said she attends every year. 

“It’s my favorite thing to do on Labor Day weekend,” she said.

Alongside of the dancers and singers, the event hosts more than 50 vendors selling a variety of goods ranging from food to art. Traditional native food, silverware, beadwork and baskets are also available.

The event is free and open to the public. More information about the event can be found on their website www.rsic.org.

Eric Marks
Eric Markshttp://ericmarksphotography.com/
Born in 1971, Eric Marks was fortunate enough to grow up in a time and family where photography and literature were normal parts of his life. His parents were always enthusiastic and supportive of his photography as a child, and encouraged him to read and write as much as possible. From 2005 to 2012 he owned an award-winning, international, high definition video production company, and has produced video and photography in over 14 different countries on four continents. Eric majored at the University of Nevada, Reno in English/Writing and Art, graduating with English and Photography degrees in 2013, and again with an Art degree in 2018. He teaches all genres of photography at Truckee Meadows Community College, is a freelance photojournalist for several publications, and offers private photography instruction.

TRENDING

RENO EVENTS

MORE RENO NEWS

VIDEO: Numaga Indian Days Pow Wow 2019

The nationally celebrated 33rd Annual Numaga Indian Days Pow Wow is back and runs through September 1, 2019, in Hungry Valley.