118th annual Arlee powwow begins Wednesday
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Arlee Esyapqenyi (Celebration) starts on Wednesday, June 29, with a week full of traditional dance contests, drum groups and honor ceremonies.
“The committee works hard all year to let everyone come and enjoy this celebration whether they dance, sit and visit, eat food or buy gifts,” said Willie Stevens, chairman of the Powwow Committee.
Stevens explained that the celebration began in the summer months hundreds of years ago as a way for Native American people to get together.
“The people wouldn’t see each other all winter,” he said adding that many Salish people lived in smaller family groups and would winter in one spot. It was a way for people to get together to catch up with extended family and friends.
The event was held in different places, mainly in the Bitterroot Valley.
“They would pick a site and send out runners to tell people where it was going to be,” he said.
The celebration was banned by the United States government in 1890. A few years later, the tribes decided to call it a Fourth of July celebration, so it was allowed. It’s estimated that the celebration began around the fourth about 118 years ago.
The location became permanent in the last several decades on Pow Wow Road. Stevens said it’s possible that 10,000 people attend the event every year now that it’s open to the public, although the numbers vary.
“People travel from all over,” he said.
The celebration now includes about 60 dance categories from Prairie Chicken to Contemporary Jingle. Vendors set up stands with everything from art to food. Stick games are also played. This year, Rosie the Riveters will be honored.
“They were women that helped out during WWII,” he said. The celebration includes many events. More information can be found at www.arleepowwow.com. Times may change, but the main events include:
Wednesday, June 29th: Camp Day Thursday,
June 30th: Opening of the 118th Arlee Esyapqeyni at 5 p.m.; a memorial for those that have passed on and are not here to celebrate starts at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 1st: Competition Powwow Begins with Grand Entry at 7 p.m.; Honoring of Dr. Joe McDonald and Lucy Vanderburg at 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 2nd: Competition Powwow Continues; A Run/Walk, sponsored by Tribal Health, starts in the morning with the time to be announced; Grand Entry is at 1 p.m.; the evening Grand Entry is at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 3rd: Championship Day and Grand Entry is at 1 p.m.
Monday, July 4th: The celebration begins with a Snake Dance at 2 p.m.; Honoring CSKT WWII Veterans and CSKT Rosie Riveters at 2:30 p.m.; the parade starts at 7 p.m.; and the celebration ends at 9 p.m.
