Top Story

Standing Arrow Pow-wow faces the heat and stays cool

By Alyssa Kelly

Women and men dancers compete in the finals of the afternoon, which was an Owl Dance special (Alyssa Kelly photo).


Contestant male grass dancers display their moves proudly in the heat. (Alyssa Kelly photo)


A traditional dancer takes a break to watch the final contests of the afternoon sessions (Alyssa Kelly photo).


Bustles hung on the wooden poles of arena for safe keeping between the dance competitions. (Alyssa Kelly photos).


Young girls prepare for the upcoming grand entry after a well needed break (Alyssa Kelly photo).


Variety is the spice of life at the pow-wow and sometimes Thai spices hit the spot. Different types of food are becoming more frequent at pow-wows and Standing Arrow proved to be no exception. Here, a jingle dress dancer takes time to order from one of the many food vendors. Fear not, however; frybread will most likely continue to be a staple of pow-wow menus and diets (Alyssa Kelly photo).


Vendors from out of state, including New Mexico, give locals the opportunity to add unique items to their collection.


Pow-wow goers found a fun relief from the heat while swimming the lake at the tribal docks on Kenmille property (Alyssa Kelly photo).

ELMO — The sun’s heat was blazing against the people like fire from the sky as a long day of the Standing Arrow Pow-wow came to a well deserved rest.

Vendors fanned themselves with paper as they offered drastic deals on merchandise in what seemed to be defeat from the boundless afternoon. “This has been a long pow-wow and today I’ll give you a deal of five pieces of jewelry for only twenty dollars,” says one vendor as she wipes the sweat from her head and points to her display.

Outfits were being drawn down as the dancers stole a moment to ease their hunger and visit in the hours before the next session. Tight braids were being rubbed to ease tension and chairs surrounding the arena were being filled with tired dancers as Gatorade dripped down their chins. Bustles rested on the wooden poles of the arena as wind caressed the feathers.

Drum group Chief Cliff, although weary, sang their final song of the session in their home town of Elmo. Hot eager crowds of family and friends continued to surround the singers as tape recorders hovered above peoples’ heads. Their practice throughout the year was on a full display as they jammed under shade of Chief Cliff Mountain, to which they honor in their name.

Couples, heavy with regalia, joined hands in the final Owl Dance special as judges stood at their side on the floor, their keen eyes searching for flaws. Some couples moved gracefully, knowing each other’s anticipated steps before they were taken. Other couples moved awkwardly as they attempted to dance in time. The remaining spectators watched in awe as the dancers made handsome couples.

“Since it was a married couple who won, we know who will get the money,” announcer Alec Quequasah joked at the end of the competition.

The deep blue lake, below where the mountains meet the sky, sparkled brightly as it enticed the people to cool off. Children of all ages laughed and teased each other as they pushed loved ones off the dock of Kenmille Park. Tired pow-wow goers rested under the shade of the trees as brave children swung from the rope of its branches into the water. Families enjoyed a meal together as men visited about the upcoming fire season.

As the sun was setting beyond the hills, the people gathered once again for the evening session of grand entry. Dancers were refreshed and drum groups’ voices had rested and were now ready to sing. People wore sweaters or carried blankets, as the stands grew crowded. Boom, with the first beat of the drum the crowd grew silent.