Drums, Friends A Sure Bet Powwow Marks Casino’s 5th Year

Dressed in brilliant colors, they came to celebrate.

The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Bingo Casino’s fifth anniversary was the official reason for Saturday’s powwow. But it was friendship and culture that packed hundreds inside a giant tent in front of the casino.

“The anniversary almost becomes secondary to meeting other people and tribes,” said Lawrence Aripa, a Coeur d’Alene Tribe elder.

Native Americans traveled from as far as Montana and British Columbia to spend the afternoon and evening dancing. Nearly two dozen food and craft booths and a ceremony honoring tribal leaders were among the other attractions.

“I could sit down for maybe 10 minutes, but as soon as I hear that drum and that beat I have to get up,” Aripa said. “It gets to you.”

Organizers planned the powwow, in its second year, as a way for the community to share in the tribe’s success, said Laura Stensgar, Tribal Bingo Casino marketing director. It also helps promote cultural awareness among non-Indians.

“It’s just another way of celebrating,” Stensgar said.

A larger gathering is planned in Post Falls this summer during the heart of “powwow season,” Stensgar said. That powwow, scheduled for July 23-26, will feature dance and drum competitions.

“Every weekend there’s a powwow somewhere,” Stensgar said. “There’s people that go from powwow to powwow competing for money.”

John and Irma Jones, who grew up in Worley, drove from Spokane to watch Saturday’s celebration.

“Look at him, isn’t he cute?” Irma Jones said as a young boy in traditional Indian dress danced by.

The colorful beads, beautiful feather headdresses and elaborate clothing captivated Jones.

So did the drumbeat and songs performed by about a half-dozen tribal groups. “This makes you want to get out there and do it,” Irma Jones said, beginning to dance in place. “This is something that everybody should see.”

During one, those who came to watch joined tribal dancers in traditional dress. They formed three large rings and greeted dancers in other circles with handshakes as they shuffled by.

“This is where everybody dances,” Chuck Matheson, master of ceremonies, boomed over the public address system. “I don’t care if this is your first time. Join us in friendship on the arena floor as we do a circle dance.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: NEXT TIME A larger powwow is planned in Post Falls this summer. That powwow, scheduled for July 23-26, will feature dance and drum competitions.