Blue Star is a traditional style singing group from Southern California. We come from a tightly knit group of families who’ve grown up together, singing and dancing throughout the nation. Our drum name originated from the Ca State Route 99 traveled by our founding members. This “Blue Star Memorial Highway” pays tribute to the U.S. armed forces and their families. The present-day Blue Star continues to follow our original instructions; to sing the older Traditional Lakota songs, to be respectful of these traditions, and to share what we have learned. Our intention is to honor those generous individuals who have encouraged us by sharing their lives and traditions with us. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our families, and extended families, for their continued support and encouragement. It is with sincerity that we acknowledge the original inhabitants of this area and thank the Powwow Committee for inviting us. We wish you all a blessed weekend and a safe trip home.

The Hale and Company Drum was created in the 1970’s under the guidance of the late Henry Hale, a respected member of the Navajo Nation. Along with his wife, Lucy Hale, Henry established his family in Los Angeles, California. There, he also planted the roots of what would become a powerful cultural legacy by forming the Hale and Company drum group. The drum is a spiritual and cultural anchor for Native people that were relocated. After Henry’s passing, his sons—Benjamin, Kevin, Bruce, and Phillip Hale—continued to carry the drum and uphold the traditions their father instilled. Through powwows, ceremonies, and gatherings, they shared songs, stories, and teachings, ensuring that the drum remained a living part of the community. Currently, the legacy lives on through the next generation. Young leaders like Nate, Jonathan, and Benjamin Jr. have taken up the responsibility of learning and sharing the songs and protocols, continuing the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. The Hale and Company drum remains active today in Los Angeles, a symbol of resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring strength of Diné traditions far from home.

Yá’át’ééh! My name is Jamaal-Isaac Jones, a proud citizen of the Navajo Nation from Chinle, Arizona. Born for the Towering House Clan and born to the Deer Water Clan, I began my Grass Dance journey at age five and have dedicated my life to honoring and preserving this tradition.

Through years of commitment, I’ve developed a championship-level style recognized across the pow wow circuit, with performances at major cultural events, festivals, and educational programs throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

As a performer and cultural ambassador, I blend athleticism, artistry, and storytelling to share the significance of Indigenous traditions with diverse audiences. The Men’s Grass Dance—rooted in Northern Plains warrior societies—symbolizes resilience, healing, and connection to the land.

Whether as a Head Dancer, featured performer, or presenter, I strive to honor tradition while inspiring future generations.

Mari Mari! Hello everyone, my name is Monica Bartelt. I am 31 years old from Simi Valley, CA, where I currently reside. I am Purépecha on my mom’s side and on my dad’s side I am Mapuche. In my younger years I’ve danced and been involved in powwows and now as an adult I have been getting back into it and feels like returning home. In my free time, if there is such a thing as a mom, I enjoy seeing, beading, reading, the outdoors and spending time with my family usually at a powwow. Thank you to the powwow committee for asking me to serve as head woman!

Miyiiha and Yah-tah-hey, my name is Tso Richard Yanez Jr. I am Tongva, Navajo of the Kiyaa’áanii clan (Towering House), Yaqui, and Iroquois nations. My parents are Kat and Tso Yanez. My Grandparents are Emily and Bob Jimenez, on my mom’s side. My Grandparents are also Pauline and the late Richard Yanez, from my dad’s side. I love playing basketball at school and playing outdoors. I am very much into music concerts with my family. When I am relaxing, playing on the Nintendo Switch, it’s fun to play with our whole family. I am grateful for my big brothers, Jason and Sam, as well as all my dancing and singing uncles, for their teaching. Aweeshkone xaa, and Ahee’ hee’ to the Heart of Tataviam Powwow for the honor of being Head Young Man for 2026.

Hello everyone! My name is Skuya Jackson. While I serve as head girl, I am also a powwow princess for the Big Pine Youth Powwow 2025-2026. On my mom’s side I am proudly enrolled with the Ho-chunk nation from Wisconsin, and I am Spirit Lake Dakota. From my dad’s side, I am Fort Yuma Quechan and Laguna Pueblo. I want to say thank you to the powwow committee for having me as their head girl and am excited to see everyone at the powwow!