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Celebrating restoration of the Tribes
Klamath Falls Herald and News
August 21, 2008
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| H&N photo by Andrew Mariman The Klamath Restoration Celebration will be particularly important for Trulon Schonchin, 14. Following tradition, he will perform in a coming of age ceremony. |
Lahoma Schonchin says her son Trulon Schonchin
danced in a stiff fashion at powwows and other
events when he was young. It was only when he was
away from the public eye that he let himself go and
danced naturally.
Now the 14-year-old Kamath tribal member is
comfortable practicing the family and tribal
tradition
and will have a chance to demonstrate his passion
for dancing when he takes part in a coming-of-age
ceremony at the Klamath Tribes’ Restoration
Celebration this year.
“I’m just really excited for it,” Trulon said.
The annual celebration of the Tribes regaining federal recognition has grown every year since it started in the 1980s.
More tribal members are returning to the region and more non-tribal people are also showing an interest in tribal culture.
Taylor David, spokeswoman for the Tribes, said 500 T-shirts were ordered for participants in the Fun Run event last year. All the shirts were given out and there’s an indication that some went without.
The Schonchins are looking forward to the powwow. Lahoma was taken to powwows as a child and adopted the same approach with her own children. All five, ranging from age 2 to 14, are active dancers.
“They keep me busy, that’s for sure,” she said.
Trulon’s coming-of-age ceremony will also be a family affair. He’ll receive a new dancing outfit, made by family members as part of the ceremony
The entire celebration, in addition to commemorating the Tribes’ renewed federal recognition, is also aimed at keeping tribal youth involved in safe activities and away from dangerous influences.
Lahoma said those efforts are paying off. She helped found the Klamath Indigenous Dance Society two years ago with about a dozen tribal youth. The group has grown to 20 to 25 active youth dancers with parents also attending meetings.
As tribal members return and practice aspects of their culture, more non-tribal people are also showing interest. Trulon said a lot of his friends in Klamath Falls are fascinated by his dancing activities and have come to events to watch him.
And while Trulon used to be self-conscious about dancing before others, that anxiety is gone and he plans to enjoy the powwow.
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| Trulon Schonchin, 14, shows his bustle made with eagle feathers. He will take part in this weekend’s Restoration Celebration. |
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NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted
material herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have
expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit
research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml