When the largest outdoor powwow in the Northwest begins tonight in Post Falls, participants will feel the absence of two substantial figures of the annual gathering.

Clifford SiJohn, a Coeur d’Alene Tribe elder and storyteller who helped keep tribal customs and culture alive, died last Christmas Eve at age 67. His cousin, Spokane Tribe member and nationally known artist George Flett, died Jan. 30 at age 66.

SiJohn and Flett were closely involved in presenting Julyamsh, the three-day powwow hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. It runs through Sunday at Greyhound Park on the west end of Post Falls. Read more. Scott Maben, SR

Have you been to Julyamsh?

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