The Children of Many Colors Intertribal Powwow will be staged on Fri., Sat. and Sun., May 14, 15 and 16 at Castaic Lake Recreation Area, 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic. The sponsoring organization is Simi Valley-based Redbird, a nonprofit association dedicated to "promoting the awareness and celebration of indigenous cultures and people, and creating a sustainable future."

The powwow is described as a social and ceremonial gathering of indigenous people from throughout the Western Hemisphere. Music, dancing, food, arts and crafts, educational booths and exhibits and activities for children are part of this family-oriented event.

This is the first time the gathering will be held at Castaic Lake. The powwow will take place at the lower lagoon near the swim beach. Teepees and other traditional lodges (some of which will be open for public viewing), demonstrations and storytelling are also part of the festivities.

The powwow will begin Friday evening with gourd dancing. Men invited into the Gourd Society dance this dance, with women supporting them from the edges of the arena. The Gourd Society is a warrior’s society, honoring veteran men and women and tribal heroes.

Throughout Saturday there will be dancing and song, with many friendship dances that invite the public to join in. The powwow will continue until 9 p.m. Saturday and run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Entrance to the park is $7 per vehicle. Admission to the powwow is free.

In conjunction with the powwow, Redbird is hosting a drive to collect school and art supplies to be sent to students in need on the Cheyenne River and Navajo reservations. They welcome contributions of items such as backpacks, writing supplies, arts and crafts items, notebooks, coloring/activity books, books for young readers, writing and craft paper. Please call for a comprehensive list.

For more information, call (805) 217-0364, write Redbird, P.O. Box 702, Simi Valley, CA 93062 or visit www.RedbirdsVision.com.