Tribes prepare for 25th restoration anniversary 

Three-day celebration begins Aug. 26, and it will be a special one 

By LEE JUILLERAT

H&N Regional Editor

July 31, 2011 

     CHILOQUIN — When the Klamath Tribes celebrate the 25th anniversary of restoration as a federally recognized tribe later this month, the celebration will be bittersweet.

   Most Tribal members always considered themselves “Indians,” despite Congressional legislation in 1954 that terminated the tribe’s federal recognition and legally stripped them of benefits given to other tribes.

   After years of struggle, Klamaths, Modocs and Yahooskins regained status as the Klamath Tribes on Aug. 27, 1986.

   Since then, celebrating tribal restoration has been an annual event but, because it marks the silver anniversary, this year’s Aug. 26 to 28 celebration will be something special.

   “It’s a healthy thing. It has reaffirmed that we are special people,” Chuck Kimbol said. A former tribal chairman, Kimbol was a key player in lengthy negotiations that led to tribal restoration.  

   Celebration events

   The three-day celebration begins Friday, Aug. 26 with a fun run/walk at 10 a.m. followed by a free barbecue. In keeping with the theme, “Warriors of the Past to Warriors of the Future,” motivational speaker D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas will speak on the “Warrior Within” during the barbecue. The day will end with a 7 p.m. competition powwow at the Chiloquin High School football field.

   The powwow will continue Saturday, Aug. 27, with grand entry ceremonies at 1 and 7 p.m. Other Saturday events include a 10 a.m. parade through downtown Chiloquin and noon open youth rodeo at the Chiloquin Rodeo Grounds.

   The celebration wraps up Sunday, Aug. 28 with a free breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., worship service at 10 and the final powwow at 1 p.m.

   For Klamath Tribes leaders, the anniversary is a time to celebrate.

   “It brings everybody together,” said tribal chairman Gary Frost. “We are a proud people. We’re working to get back where we were before termination, and that’s a big challenge seeing as how we don’t have a land base.”

   “I’m not necessarily looking back, but looking to the future,” Kimbol said.

   “It was symbolic that we were Indians again,” said tribal vice chairman Don Gentry. “I think it’s important to provide that history. We need to honor and recognize the people who were important in that restoration effort.”