Spirited sounds of drums and Native American songs filled the grounds of the Veterans Home of California at Yountville during Suscol Intertribal Council’s 15th annual Pow Wow event Sunday afternoon.

The Pow Wow began on Saturday and spanned two days. Hundreds of spectators gathered at the Vets Home to enjoy Native American traditions highlighted by numerous dances and songs performed by tribes from all over the Bay Area and as far away as Canada.

For Native American tribes a pow wow is a gathering of native people that strengthens ties between the tribes, offers opportunities to barter and keeps traditions alive, said Charlie Toledo, Suscol Interfaith Council spokeswoman.

“This year’s theme is ‘Unity of All Tribes,’” she said. “This is a chance to socialize and come together with our families.”

Children played a heavy role in Sunday’s festivities — from dancing in various ceremonial dances to beating drums alongside elders in drum circles. For 4-year-old Reynalda Cruz, a kindergartner at Northwood Elementary School in Napa, dancing at the Vets Home was a way to get in touch with her Sioux/Pomo heritage said her mother, Madonna.

“I think it’s important to have her active (in the pow wow),” Madonna said. “She does Pomo dances and fancy shawl dances.”

Reynalda danced Saturday and seemed content Sunday picking up toys and treats scattered on the dance circle. Her mother, a member of Suscol Intertribal Council, said she brought Reynalda to the Vets Home so that she might be able to learn more about her culture.

Taking a rest from the dances, San Jose resident Robert Lone Bear reflected on the importance of the pow wow.

“It’s part of what we do as native people,” he said. “It’s who I am. I came here to dance to be with my friends. Generations are losing their culture and losing their language.”

On Sunday Lone Bear — a member of the Hidatsa-Mandan tribe — wore regalia that was once borne by his deceased cousin, Austin, who died in an auto accident, he said. The outfit was a brilliant piece of Native American art and consisted of a breastplate, gauntlets, a headdress and an eagle-feather bustle highlighted with red, orange and tan colors. Lone Bear wore the outfit in part to honor his cousin, he said.

Throughout the day many spectators joined in on the dances, adding to the theme of “Unity of All Tribes.” Participants snacked on fry-bread tacos and had the opportunity to purchase authentic Native American crafts, jewelry and clothing from one of the many on-site vendors.

 For the past 15 years, Suscol Intertribal Council has held its pow wow in the valley; it was held at Napa Valley College until five years ago when it was moved to the Vets Home.

Suscol Intertribal Council is a nonprofit agency with 750 members, Toledo said. The group aims to keep Native American traditions alive and does educational outreach programs at various local schools and clubs. Members are situated mostly in Napa and surrounding counties.

In 1992, the council purchased a parcel of land in Chiles-Pope Valley that it hopes to one day develop into a Native American Cultural Center for native people, Toledo said. The group aims to have the center complete by 2010.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, Suscol Intertribal Council will host a Art and Wine Auction Dinner at the Yountville Community Hall, 6550 Yount St., from 5-9 p.m. For more information visit www.suscol.nativeweb.org.