Sacramento Native youth turn to powwow dance for healing and connection

At the 30th annual Sacramento Contest Powwow earlier this month, Sage Noelle Tellez Ortiz, a member of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, said jingle dress dancing has helped her cope with depression and anxiety. “When I started dancing more at powwow, it made such a positive change in my life,” Ortiz told the Sacramento Bee. “No matter what you’re going through, it’ll always be there to help you.”

According to the Sacramento Bee, Native youth in California experience higher suicide rates than other groups, and some are turning to traditional practices for support. Jingle dancing, which originated with the Ojibwe people, is viewed by many as a healing ceremony. Other Native youth, including Tehya Perkins of the Miwok Tribe of the El Dorado Rancheria, said powwow dancing provides a sense of safety, pride and cultural connection.