The 42nd Annual Indian Fair Days and Pow-Wow brings together a number of tribal nations to enjoy dancing, drumming and singing while tribal members unite with friends and family.

Shannon Hooper, who is native to the Lakota Tribe has been traveling to various Pow-Wow's throughout the U.S. for a number of years says, "For Native Americans, the culture is dying. This is a way for us to socialize and exchange our traditions."

Hooper currently represents her tribe as, Miss Congeniality and Best Public Speaker.

One Native American male dancer believes, "Pow-Wow's bring everyone together for new and old friendships. We come together to help our families that are in need. This is a place to be inspired and to encourage living the traditional values.

For traditionalist Garrisson "Two Crow" Titnam, who is of Miwok descent, "More of us need to comeback home and take over this arena and take back our space."

Teaching, passing and holding on to the customs and traditions was just a few of the common themes expressed throughout the weekends events along with celebrating the circle of life.

"Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing and always come back again to where they were," said Black Elk Oglala.

The circle which encompasses both the young and old, boys and girls and men and women, was evident by all participants of the various dance competitions, such as traditional, fancy and jingle, shawl dance and hat dance.

Learning the dances and passing the tradition from one generation to another, is just one means of keeping the Native American traditions alive.

Participants wore their traditional regalia as they competed and were judged on several categories. Jason Lozano, who judged the junior boys traditional and fancy grass, said "I look for foot work, style, beat and being flashy."

"My favorite part of the dance are the drums," Anthony Lewis, winner of the first junior boys special contest said.

Serenity Amore, 9, a fancy shawl dancer and part of Dine' Navajo Nation Apache, said "I love spreading my arms out like a butterfly and spinning around."

Other participants like Isaac Orozco, who wears traditional clothing known to the Chumash/Ohlone Coastal is participating in the dance competition for the first time this year has been dancing since he was four, expresses how he feels mentally in the arena.

"I concentrate on the dancing and the spirituality of it all."

In addition to the dancing, throughout the North Fork Recreation Center were craft vendors showcased tribal artwork including dream catchers and jewelry.

Werika, who creates beaded jewelry said, "I have been doing this for 10 years. This tradition has been passed on from generation to generation since the beginning of time."

The Pow Wow and Fair Days are about the timeless traditions that inspires the tribes to pass on their values, and "It is about integrity and holding true and valuing the tradition and honoring the elder heritage," said April Amor.

And it is those traditions that make mothers and fathers proud of their children who are active in wanting to learn about their Native American heritage.