Experience Native American culture at Julyamsh

Julyamsh translates to “sit down in July and gather,” explains Coeur d’Alene tribal representative Cliff SiJohn. He encourages all to attend one of the largest Native American gatherings in the Northwest next weekend at the Greyhound Park in Post Falls.

More than a thousand Native American dancers and 32 drummers are expected to participate, representing tribes from around the United States and Canada. Performances include Grass Dance, Men’s Traditional, Men’s Fancy Dance, Prairie Chicken Dance, Women’s Traditional, Shawl Dance, Children’s Dance and Tiny Tots. The winners of the dance contests will take home $67,000 in prize money, and $30,000 will be awarded to drummers. Non-Indians are invited to the floor to dance in the intertribal event.

Thousands are expected to converge on the Greyhound Park to share in the native traditions and culture. Tribal members from as far as Alaska (Athabaskan tribe), Florida (Seminoles) and the Blood (or Kainai Tribe) from Canada, have traveled to the powwow in past years. Attendance has reached 75,000.

Ceremonies begin Friday at noon with a parade of horses around the park’s track. The grand entry parade re-creates the return of warriors to Indian camps. A messenger was sent ahead to camp, and the rest prepared for the homecoming by painting their horses. A lightning bolt painted on shoulders and front legs signified speed, and a circle around the eye meant the horse had keen senses and good vision. A handprint on the horse’s hindquarter meant an enemy was killed. Horses were introduced to the Northwest in the 1700s and had a great impact on the region’s tribes.

Dances begin at 1 p.m. Friday and last through the evening. Dances resume at noon next Saturday, with a break at 5 to 6 p.m. for dinner, then continue until about midnight. Celebrations on July 25 run from noon to 5 p.m.

Vendors, including those selling ethnic foods, native crafts and supplies, operate all three days.

An art show and auction is scheduled for 4 p.m. next Saturday, featuring Indian art from the Northwest, including works of Crow Kevin Red Star, Chippewa-Cree Jesse Henderson and others.

According to the www.redthunders.com Web site, Julyamsh represents historical gatherings along Northwest rivers, where tribal lore tells of streams full of salmon. Tribes gathered to harvest fish, trade, and celebrate and renew friendships.

SiJohn says the powwow is a cultural experience of sharing with other tribes and neighbors and “to let Americans know we still practice traditional ways and lifestyles.” He wants all to “touch, feel and taste” the culture.