Restoration Celebration

Powwow traditions bring together generations, tribes in Chiloquin

By TY BEAVER
H&N Staff Writer

August 26, 2007

Lavina Colwash danced at powwows years ago when she was a young girl.

The Warm Springs-Yakima woman wasn’t dancing at the 21st annual Restoration Celebration Competition Powwow yesterday. Instead, she watched as her daughter, 16-year-old Farrellyn Bellanger, carried on the tradition.

“We’ve always supported the powwows down here,” she said.

The annual celebration commemorating the restoration of the Klamath Tribes’ federal recognition was in full swing yesterday, with a parade and the Open Youth Rodeo, while the competition powwow went into its second day.

People from all backgrounds were present at the event and participated. American Indians from the across the West, from Washington to California , were in attendance, as were many others who came to see what a powwow is like.

About 15 drum families participated, including Flicker Tail, a Warm Springs drum family. At least 150 dancers, from elders to young children, participated in the grand opening of the powwow.

Competitions

Both drummers and dancers are competing for awards throughout the powwow. For the first time, organizers also had a hand drum competition in honor of elder Gerald Jackson, who died recently.

Bellanger has participated in the event since she was 2 years old. She said she always enjoys the dancing but also likes the fellowship the powwow provides. Now her younger brother has begun to participate.

Numerous vendors were present, dealing items such as necklaces, statuary and other crafts. Food vendors sold hamburgers, hot dogs and fry bread.

Robert Brown of Grants Pass had a stall at the powwow for the third year. A quarter Cherokee, he makes many of the things he sells, such as drums and necklaces. He also sells T-shirts for a friend.

He said it’s getting harder to afford coming to the event given the costs of travel, but he enjoys the atmosphere of the powwow and the people who buy from him.

“I’ve got a lot of return customers,” he said.

Billy David, 35, of Chiloquin, dances on Saturday.  

Teepees line the west side of the football field at Chiloquin High School for the 21st annual Restoration Celebration.

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