Kootenai Tribe to host pow wow July 10-12

BONNERS FERRY —The Kootenai Tribe will hold a pow wow during Kootenai River Days. The pow wow will begin Friday evening on July 10 at 7 p.m. and end Sunday at 8 p.m. on July 12.

“A pow wow is a community event for tribes to come and participate with us in our festivities.” said Velma Bahe, Kootenai Tribe council woman.

During the pow wow, dancing competitions will be held in different categories from Tiny Tots to Golden Age (senior citizens).

Tribes from New Mexico, Minnesota, Arizona, Alberta, British Columbia and Washington have already responded and the local community is invited to attend as well.

If nothing else, Bahe encourages the public to come watch the grand entry. This is when all the tribes gather at their own flag or staff, divide into their separate categories, and dance in full regalia. The grand entry will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 p.m. again on Sunday.

Drummers from the Wild Rose Yakima tribe are also arriving with at least 15 drums to participate in a drumming and singing competition.

The tribes will be camping out at the Fairgrounds. Food vendors will be at the Fairgrounds as well selling native foods and Indian tacos. Arts and crafts vendors will be selling jewelry and beadwork. Bahe asks viewers to bring their own chairs as only a few bleachers are available and seating everyone will be difficult.

The dancing competitions will be held all day. Viewers should even be prepared to be pulled from the audience and asked to join in.

It has been 15 years since the Kootenai Tribe has hosted a pow wow and to celebrate the Bonners Ferry centennial, have decided to host one this year.