Since the beginning of time, the “ataaxam” have always occupied the San Luis Rey Valley. The Spanish established the Mission San Luis Rey in 1798 and imposed the name San Luiseño on the ataaxam. The landscape surrounding the mission is quintessential Southern California: golden coastal plains, sagebrush-dotted hills, and the distant shimmer of the Pacific Ocean. The mission itself is one of the most architecturally significant of California’s 21 Spanish missions. Its whitewashed adobe walls and arched colonnades provide a striking backdrop for the powwow, blending centuries of history with the living traditions of Native communities.

The San Luis Rey Mission Indian Foundation hosts an Annual San Luis Rey Intertribal Powwow in June. This vibrant celebration of Native American culture is held each June on the historic grounds of the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California. This sacred gathering honors the traditions of Indigenous peoples from across the continent, offering a weekend of dance, music, art, and community. Shop at the Arts & Crafts Booths, take a break and enjoy the Food Booths. All Dancers & Drums are welcome; contest dancing and drawings for prizes.

The Annual San Luis Rey Intertribal Powwow is more than an event; it's a testament to the resilience and richness of Native American cultures. Set against the backdrop of historic architecture and natural beauty, it invites visitors to witness and honor traditions that have endured for generations.