Pow Wow Harkens To River’s Heyday

The salmon are gone, but the gathering survives. Six years ago, a group of tribes revived the long-ago tradition of a late summer gathering near the big falls of the Spokane River. Instead of fishing, dancing is now the purpose of the gathering.

It’s the Northwest Indian Encampment and Pow Wow, and the sixth annual version takes place Aug. 25, 26 and 27 at Riverfront Park in Spokane. It is hosted by many of the same tribes who once gathered near the same spot for salmon: the Spokane Tribe, the Colville Confederated Tribes, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Kalispel Tribe, the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho, and the Yakama Nation. It’s sponsored by the American Community Center in partnership with the city of Spokane and U.S. Bank.

The Indian arts and crafts and food booths will open at 10 a.m. every day. Dancing starts every day at 1 p.m. and goes until 5 p.m.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, Spokane Mayor Jack Geraghty will make a welcoming speech, followed by the Grand Entry, in which the dancers parade in their regalia. Dancing will continue until 11 p.m. The Grand Entry will be repeated Saturday at noon, and there will be a ceremony honoring veterans. Dancing will continue all afternoon and evening on Saturday until 11 p.m.

An Indian art auction will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. George Flett will be the auctioneer.

The Pow Wow will be centered in the park’s Central Meadow, next to the Clocktower. Spectators are welcome; admission is free.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo