KUMEYAAY CEREMONY

SYCUAN POW-WOW - Stephanie La Chappa, 12, (center of picture) is brought out into the arena by her extended Kumeyaay family and given her traditional Kumeyaay name, Siny Yuuhuy. The traditional naming ceremony honors Siny Yuuhuy, which translates to "First Woman" in English, and instills her sense of belonging to the Kumeyaay Nation, September 6, 2002.

Inter-generational Native American Indian song lyric:

"Throughout the Universe, Kumeyaay Ceremony is an Honor and a Challenge, My Mother and Father Told Me I am Kumeyaay, Therefore I Take Courage"

Ceremony host & Native American creative consultant: Shirley Murphy, Lakota, WEBSITE
Event: Arlene Galvan, Sycuan Pow-wow
Photo/design by Gary G. Ballard, San Diego