NOVEMBER 2024

Column 60

    I started doing some other writing and thought I would also post those on here as well. It is a little bit different than what I have written before, I think. I hope it is interesting. Since I am a Native American, I am involved in the Native activities here in this prison, just as I was at San Quentin. Maybe reading this will give you another side of prison life.

All the best to you, Dean

The 2024 Autumn Equinox Pow Wow
By Dean Carter

The annual CHCF Native spiritual circle autumn equinox Pow Wow was held on Saturday, 23 November at the ER chapel. It was a bittersweet event, a combination of celebrating the equinox with traditional singing and dancing, along with sharing a traditional meal. It was also an opportunity to say goodbye to Dennis Yamamura, who is a respected and beloved spiritual advisor for the CHCF Native American community. Very possibly, it was the last time Dennis would be leading any events for the CHCF Native spiritual circle. Dennis is scheduled to retire at the end of the year.

The members of the Native spiritual circle started gathering at the chapel gate to wait for the activities to start. The mood was cheerful, and everyone was talking and joking with each other when Stephanie and Maldonado, from the CRM office showed up with Nettie along to help out. They said things were running a little late, but it wouldn’t be much longer. They then proceeded into the chapel to get things ready for the activities.

Suddenly, the laughing and talking stopped. At the entrance to E yard there was a procession of guests making their way into the yard and heading for the chapel. It was impressive watching the women as they made their way in our direction. All were wearing lovely, traditional clothing and walking in pears. Holding their heads high with class and dignity, it made you proud to be Native. Slowly, they made their way to the chapel, followed by the three men. Two dancers and a drummer.

The activities began with the Native spiritual group, being smudged and blessed in the sacred sweat lodge area next to the chapel. Then a few words from Dennis, followed by everyone, making an offering into the fire for the creator.

The guests and Native spiritual group then formed up at the chapel door. Inside, the drummers, Uncle, Giant, Uso and Damien (a free person) began drumming, and everyone started to file into the chapel in single file. It was the entry dance and a very traditional way to start. A few people were self-conscious at first. Others were dancing with enthusiasm and trying to make everyone feel comfortable and relaxed.

To start things off, Silvia from “Medicine for My Sisters” in Stockton led things off with three songs, accompanying herself on her drum. Her songs were very meaningful. Especially the final song which was called MMIP. It was about the missing and murdered indigenous people. Especially the many missing and murdered Native women who are finally getting a little bit of attention after all these years of indifference and neglect by law-enforcement and the legal system.

Next to sing was Jacqui. She also did three songs that were very poignant. Jacqui said she was on the Navajo Road in honor of her mother. She shared stories in a warm and humorous way that was enjoyed by everyone.

Dennis then spoke to the group. Sharing points of Native spirituality, culture and traditions. Dennis also shared some personal news about his family, which is very difficult for him. Family tragedies that are devastating. I think it says a lot about Dennis’ character and commitment and caring that he was still there to ensure the Pow Wow went as it should. Nobody would have blamed him if he hadn’t been able to make it. I will just say that any of you who do pray, it would be very gracious if you would say a prayer for Dennis and his sister and mother.

After Dennis spoke, there was a performance by Dennis’ Mewuk dance group. The dancers were a combination of the CHCF Native spiritual group and volunteers from outside the prison. The guest dancers were Terisa, Darlene, Tiffany, Annette and Joan, along with Lorenzo and Josh. The third dancer I couldn’t get the name of. The CHCF dancer was Johnny. They did a number of dances and did an outstanding performance.

This was followed by the traditional meal. The meal was buffalo with various dishes along with it. This was followed by a delicious fry bread that Tiffany, who is one of the dancers, spent an incredible amount of time and effort to make. 20 pounds of flour and 12 hours of cooking. A big shout out to you, Tiffany.

After the meal, there was a giveaway that consisted of beautiful bead work and other art. This was followed by more dancing and singing. Sylvia was able to join in on the drumming and did an excellent job.

After the giveaway and dancing, Dennis talked about the personal tragedies regarding his sister and mother. There were few dry eyes after he finished.

Dennis also gave us shout out to C/O Magdalena who he says helped him in many ways when he first came to work here at CHCF.

I have to apologize for not getting everyone’s names or their tribal affiliations. Dennis says we are all one people, so it doesn’t matter. But the truth is, I couldn’t read the writing on my notes in many cases. Sorry about that.

I would have liked to include some photos with us, but evidently CHCF is different than other prisons and prisoners are not allowed to use a camera even when it is allowed and other prisons when use for specified reasons such as their newspaper.

The Pow Wow was a great success and our heartfelt thanks to those who took time to come into the prison to share the gifts of their time and talents and we hope you will be able to come back again many times.


All the best to you.

Dean Carter

November 26, 2024

California Health Care Facility
Dean Carter C97919
Box 213040
Stockton, CA 95213
USA