First powwow draws large crowd

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There was lots of fun and prizes at the inaugural Chehalis traditional powwow, an hour-and-a-half east of Vancouver, held the last weekend of June. The three-day event, attended by approximately 2,500 people from Western Canada and the United States, kicked off on June 28.

Powwow chairman Ralph Leon said, "It was a good turnout. There were drum groups from Idaho, Washington, Alberta and singers from Arizona."

Some of the participants, particularly the Elders, stayed with Chehalis families, while other powwow-goers took advantage of the free camping.

Dismal weather didn't stop participants from having a good time, as organizers were quick to make alternate arrangements when the rain came.

"We moved into the Longhouse, where everyone was comfortable and dry, and it was nice to be able to use the Longhouse."

Leon said the idea to host a powwow came out of a band retreat.

"We wanted to do a little bit more for our people as well as provide information for non-Natives, show them who we are," he said. "It was a cultural exchange for all people-everyone was welcome."

The drum contest sponsored by the host Chehalis Indian Band yielded big prizes for first, second and third places - $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. First prize went to Rumbling Hills from Morley, Alta., second place was taken home by Red Tail from Idaho, while Smoke Signals from Mission captured the bronze prize. The hand drum contest was won by Golden Eagles from Washington State.

There were also category specials sponsored by various band families. Arts and craft vendors were on hand, and a wide range of food and snacks was available. Leon said they plan to hold the event annually. "It was a great experience for the Chehalis people and the tourists. It was a good cultural experience for all of the people."