Kicking up a good time: powwow shares tradition, heritage
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
Megan Strickland
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The drumbeats pounded loudly, reverberated across the gymnasium and shook themselves into the chests of the hundreds of spectators who watched brothers Luke and Stan Whiteman of Calgary, Alberta twist and twirl so traditional regalia formed blurs of orange and pink. The drums beat faster and faster, at the urging of announcer Alec Quequesah, and the blur of fabrics became even more indistinguishable as the brothers matched the pace.
After a sudden crescendo a final strike of the drums sounded and the last flourish of motion gave way to thunderous applause.
It was one of the many dance-offs held at the 34th annual Kicking Horse Job Corps Powwow on Saturday.
For 10 hours Quequesah emceed the event, which was steeped in multigenerational tradition. Quequesah teased elders about their age as an older song was sung. Louie Paul held his toddler son Louie Paul, Jr. in one hand while he beat a drum with another. Nearby ladies beaded and helped youngsters into regalia. Devin BrownEagle sold beaded earrings. Young Stanley Healy, about a third of the height of adult dancers, showed off his lightning-fast footwork that rivaled that of some of the grown-ups that danced with him in the grand entry.
Though tradition was front and center at the event, light-hearted frivolity also came from the more secular aspects of the celebration.
Adrian Mahseelah was the only taker to Quequesah’s offer for a $5 prize for anyone who “can dance exactly like Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves.” Mahseelah was breathless after running in circles for the duration of a song for the imitation. Some of his spectators also had stitches in their sides – from laughing at the amusing performance.
The Owl Dance also garnered smiles. The partnered dance eliminates participants who start or stop before or after a sporadic song.
Tracy Morigeau Frank, who helped organize the event thanked all who participated.
Winners include:
Girls’ fancy — Denika Edmo, first place; Leah Mesteth, second place; and Tasheena Pete, third place.
Girls’ jingle — Kamiah PrettyOnTop, first place; Makli BrownEagle Branson, second place; and Ameah Hunt, third place.
Girls’ traditional — Lynell Shepherd, first place; Taylor Decker, second place; and Dominique Hecrow, third place.
Boys’ fancy — Andre Lamb, first place and Thomas Addison, second place.
Boys’ grass — Wynn Wells, first place; Sabine BrownEagle Branson, second place; and Keyan PrettyOnTop, third place.
Boys’ traditional — Talon Addison, first place.
Teen girls’ fancy — Precious David, first place; Tashana Matt, second place; and Roxy Parker, third place.
Teen girls’ jingle —Allyshia Manuel, first place and ArriAnna Matt, second place.
Teen girls’ traditional — Meilani Decker, first place.
Teen boys’ fancy — Ashkii Pete, first place
Teen boys’ grass — Devin BrownEagle, first place
Teen boys’ traditional — Ardrown McDonald, first place and Ike Carpenter, second place.
Adult women’s fancy— Marianne Addison, first place; Shirley Hill, second place; and Raini Phelps, third place.
Adult women’s jingle — Crystal Little Owl, first place; Kya-Rae Arthur, second place; and ShiNaasha Pete, third place.
Adult women’s traditional — Leena Tewawina, first place; Dominique Morning Owl, second place; and Linda Pete, third place.
Adult men’s fancy — Stan Whiteman, first place and Luke Whiteman, second place.
Adult men’s grass — Wes Ironshell, first place; Dakota Gun Hammer, second place; and Jordan Stasso, third place.
Adult men’s traditional — Allen Pierre, first place; Louie Paul, second place; and Kermit Davis, third place.
Chicken Dance — Louie Paul, first place; Stan Whiteman, second place; and Kermit Davis, third place.
