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Heartbeat of one, heartbeat of many

By Alyssa Kelly

ARLEE — It was grand entry as dancers lined for what seemed to be miles long. An audience gathered in the stands to find the seat for the best view. The announcer, Alec Quequesah, gave his last call for the drummers and the dancers as he entertained the people with jokes in a tone that is all his own. Conversations drowned across the crowd as the people waited in anticipation to see their favorite dancer and hear their favorite songs.

As the bright paint detailed the final designs across the deep brown faces and the last tie was tightened, bells jingled anxiously and feathers were proudly displayed in the final moments before the dance. As the dusty wind touched the faces of all, silence settled over the crowd as the first beat of the drum echoed across the arena. Piercing voices met as one as the singers began their song.

Elders that have seen what was and now see what is, lead their people proudly as their heads were held high in the heat. The steady beat moved the people and for a sacred moment that seemed to touch the ancestors that had felt this once before, pride overcame them as their hearts beat in unison with the drum. Fire burned through the veins of all.

Flashes of bright colors and bold design swayed to the music as each dancer moved in a unique custom of their own. Some moved swiftly, demanding the attention while others moved silently, yet steadily, as they wove through their path. Although their difference in style, meaning, creativity and personality was clear, they all moved to same beat and were important to keeping the circle.

The drum groups that kept the songs of their tribes sang loud and they sang true. Their pride shined through their faces as their hearts blazed in their voice. Their songs playfully challenged the dancers’ skill as they aimed to lure the dance into one misstep. Their song seemed to watch over the people throughout the pow-wow as it is heard, no matter where you are.

Stick game players sang throughout the night in hopes of one more win. Some had traveled from far and wide, each bringing their own feel to the game. Some danced playfully in their seat to challenge their competition while the bones moved from hand to hand. Smiles shined brightly with the winning of not only money, but also respect. The songs moved steady and constant, only to intensify as the games grew heated. “Oh!” the crowed cooed as one player is lucky on this warm pow-wow night.

The dark lining of teepees and their poles soared high above all the tents and campers, as fires blazed in the night. The smell of cooked food touched the stomachs only to be smothered in the smoke. There was beautiful battle in the sky, as the moon appeared to challenge the setting sun. Fiery red clouds are overcome with the calm darkness of night as stars shined across the big sky. The mountains stood strong as a protector circling the people that celebrated in their care. The people laughed carelessly because for a moment the harshness that life can bring was silenced in their minds.

Lovers traveled hand in hand and celebrated their Native love with the Owl Dance. Mothers swayed their babies to sleep as they danced, while children played freely and carelessly; knowing they were safe amongst the people. Friends greeted each other with tales of their lives and the lives of those they know. For a moment, the people were at home on a warm summer night as the dancing boy, although faded, watched blissfully from the mountains of Arlee.

For more information, go to www.arleepowwow.com. Contest winners will be announced.
Assiniboine Cree drum group keeps the music flowing throughout the pow-wow. (Photo by Takuya Funaki)