Blessing begins two days of Sacred Springs Powwow

Dr. Mario Garza opens a blessing held on the shores of Spring Lake — fed by the “Sacred Springs” of the Coahuiltecan people — prior to the start of the Sacred Springs Powwow Saturday morning. The celebration continues today with Native American dancing, crafts and food. Daily Record photos by Anita Miller

As part of the ceremonies, attendees address each of the four directions by turning to the north, south, east and west; they also acknowledged the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.

Smoke wafts up from a smudge bowl during the blessing ceremony. At its conclusion, attendees formed a line to be individually “smudged.”

Native Americans and those who support them gathered at Spring Lake Saturday morning for a blessing and prayers prior to the official start of the two-day Sacred Springs Powwow. Gates open today at 10 a.m. for another blessing, then the focus shifts to the big tent where dancers compete for prizes. Outide the tent are dozens of vendors with Native American crafts and food.