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Thanksgiving powwow was one to remember

By Lailani Upham

Junior boys grass dancers enter the arena during the Arlee Celebration Committee Thanksgiving Powwow Saturday evening. (Lailani Upham photo)

PABLO — The crowd started out small on Friday afternoon for the Arlee Celebration Committee's Thanksgiving Powwow, perhaps due to an overdose of turkey that kept the usual crowd glued to the couch, but by Saturday afternoon the numbers grew, making a full house at the SKC Joe McDonald Health and Athletic Center.

Folks venturing from Browning clear to Washington, hit the road to take part to burn some turkey dinner calories in the dancing and singing, while some simply toted blankets from couch to bleachers to enjoy the entertainment.

The winning couple in the Owl Dance competition was Larry White, Jr. and Bobbie White of Plummer, Idaho. Over a dozen owl dancers from the audience participated in the Owl Dance competition with five couples being picked as finalists. (Lailani Upham photo)

According to Clara Charlo, Arlee Celebration Committee member, the holiday powwow was previously known as the Reservation-wide Powwow and was held in October; it eventually moved to November as a Thanksgiving celebration powwow.

The powwow is also co-sponsored by the Yamncut singers, a local family drum group.

Charlo received words of affirmation from the attendees about the powwow that made it worth it all. A couple from Washington said they return each year because of the beautiful area. Another gentleman from Browning affirmed to the committee member that he likes to return to the powwows on the Flathead Reservation. Charlo stated, "because of our traditional songs, he said he liked how we do not change our style or songs and how we keep with in our traditional ways."

Approximately 100 dancers participated in the Turkey Day celebration along with a few random contests along the way from impersonations to trivia questions.

Felicia Paul takes a graceful spin during the Women’s Fancy competition Saturday. She and her sister made the outfit two years ago and was inspired by her grandmother Agnes Pokergym Paul’s flower design. (Lailani Upham photo)

Travis Branson was the winner in the four-person contest to impersonate emcee Alex Quequesah. The other three to join in on the imitating performance were: Diana Cote, Craig Pablo and Junior Durglo. Shonto Pete took a shot at the imitating while filling in as emcee, but opted out of the judging.

Powwows are special occasions for many Native families. They began long ago when Indian people began to feel their culture slipping away. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to hold a powwow celebration.

In the late 1800's and early 1900's Indians were not allowed to have dances. Governmental officials thought the dances were organized to resist federal forces. These people did not realize that the dances were held only to thank their Creator for the earth and the gifts they had received, or to ask for special favors.

In the 1960's, officials realized that these dances and traditions were not dangerous, and important to Native Americans.

November was declared by President Obama as Native American Heritage Month on October 30 of this year.

Ian Blaine from Stephen, South Dakota twirls and swirls and takes a dip as the crowd whoops and hollers in excitement during the Men’s Fancy competition. Blaine took third place. (Lailani Upham photo)

President Obama proclaimed that, "The Native American community today faces huge challenges that have been ignored by our Government for too long. The indigenous peoples of North America - the First Americans - have woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our Nation's heritage. Throughout their long history on this great land, they have faced moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike. During National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation in all aspects of American society."

Charlie Quequesah watches the crowd take in an inter-tribal dance while filling in for his dad Alec as emcee Saturday night. (Lailani Upham photo)

Native tribes have endured and today are developing deep pride in the culture and traditions. And this holiday break...it showed.
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