SF’s 12th Annual “Two-Spirit” Powwow at Fort Mason (2023)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

On Saturday February 4, 2023, the 12th Annual Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS) Two-Spirits Powwow will be held at Fort Mason-Festival Pavilion, San Francisco, California, from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Exhibition Gourd dance will start at 11am with featured dancers making their Grand Entry at 12:00 PM.

This event is free and open to the public. BAAITS is the first established and largest public stand alone Two-Spirit powwow in the world.

A powwow is a traditional Native American event that gathers all tribes as well as inviting non-Native guests to learn more about Native cultures. Last year the event welcomed more than 5,000 people and an even larger crowd is expected this year. Vendors will be on site selling frybread, buffalo burgers, Native art and jewelry, and other crafts. This powwow features several hours of ceremonial honor dances, contest dances, and a drum contest; all powwow dancers and drums are welcome.
“Two-Spirit” is a Native American term for people with both female and male energies. Two-Spirits may (or may not) also identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Traditionally Two-Spirits often held—and many still hold— honored positions in their Native American and First Nations communities. “Two-Spirit” is a pan-tribal term—it is rooted in the Anishinaabe term describing such individuals: “niizh manidoowag.” This translates literally as “two spirits”- embodying both the feminine and the masculine in all of us.
BAAITS Powwow Coordinators Javier Stell-Fresquez, J Miko Thomas and Amelia Vigil welcomes attendees to the powwow. Amelia saying, “This is a space for all of us to gather respectfully and celebrate Native traditions. Whether you are African-American, Native American, White, gay, straight, transgender, whoever you are and wherever your roots originated, come with curiosity and kindness and you will enjoy the company of 5,000 like-minded good and connected people as we celebrate traditions of music and art and togetherness.”

At this powwow all Two-Spirits and LGBTQI people and their allies from all over the U.S. and Canada get a chance to come together to celebrate Native culture, build community, and express themselves.
The powwow features several head dancers who will honor the event as leaders:
Opening welcome with the Ohlone Sisters:
Carla Munoz (Costanoan Rumsen, Carmel)
Dessiree Munoz (Costanoan Rumsen, Carmel)
Head dancers:
Faithlyn Seawright (Chickasaw/Choctaw)
Sean Snyder (Dine/Southern Ute)
Head Gourd dancer:
Matthew Reed (Osage/Laguna Pueblo)
Arena Director:
Eric Kimple

Drums:
Northern Drum: All Nation Singers
Southern Drum: Southern Pride
Co-MC’s:
L. Frank Manriquez (Tongva-Acjachemen)
Coy McLemore (Kiowa)
Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS) is a community-based volunteer organization offering culturally relevant activities for Native Americans identifying as Two-Spirit and their allies.

Free Event no cover charge

Parking: Pay lot on site, limited free street parking off site. Elders parking – Limited availability, first come, first parked.

Who should attend: Everyone is welcome. This is a family-friendly, clean and sober event. Street attire is encouraged for non-Natives. Please leave costumes at home. This event is wheelchair-accessible.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.