Arlee celebration powwow returns for one day
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ARLEE — The Arlee Celebration Committee decided to bring back the century old memorial and traditional gathering at the powwow campgrounds on Sunday, July 4, after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The committee invited local families and communities to participate in events for the one-day celebration. The event was originally canceled for the second year to help prevent the spread of the virus as it usually brings in thousands of people from around the world during a week-long celebration.
“There have been multiple losses within the tribal community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years,” the committee states. “The pandemic and unforeseen circumstances put a halt on many cultural gatherings and community events.”
After consulting with elders, the committee stated that they decided that it was important to honor traditions, and decided to hold a one-day celebration this year. “It is important for tribal traditions, along with families and communities, to have the opportunity to engage and implement the values of our culture that assist, in many ways, with healing and moving forward in a healthy positive manner.”
During the event, announcer Lloyd Irvine welcomed about 500 people to celebrate Independence Day and to honor all the people who have passed away during the past two years. Traditionally, the event begins by honoring all people who passed away during the time between each powwow gathering, and because it wasn’t held last year, the people who have passed during the past two years were honored, which included many from COVID-19. “COVID affected us all in different ways,” Irvine said to the crowd. He said people have lost friends, grandparents, aunts and uncles, “but we continue to fight.”
About 300 people gathered to slowly circle the powwow grounds to a sacred song under the pavilion and honor their loved ones. Many held pictures, obituaries and memorial items. It was asked that photos or videos not be taken so that people could mourn. Announcers read out the names of 260 people who have passed away.
Volunteers with the Arlee Fire Department joined the memorial wearing black shirts to remember fellow emergency responder Dane Morigeau, father of five, who passed away in April due to complications from cancer. Department volunteer Jim Thornton said Morigeau served the department for about 20 years. “He was a really great guy, and we all really miss him,” Thornton said. “He was the guy at the powwow grounds always fixing everything, and the guy who volunteered to help anytime he was needed.”
After the memorial, the Mission Valley Honor Guard presented the colors. “As we come together to celebrate the Fourth of July, we thank those who have made the sacrifice,” Irvine said. “They led the charge so we could come together for days like this.”
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Councilwoman Shelly Fyant shared a few words with the crowd. “It’s good to see everyone,” she said. She thanked the drummers, singers and dancers. She said it was a difficult decision not to have the event last year, but the decision was rooted in culture and protecting people.
CSKT council member James “Bing” Matt also said a few words: “COVID took a lot of our people.” He continued to say that protecting people was the reason the century-long annual gathering wasn’t held last year, and the reason it was shorter than usual this year. He added that it would be good if this year’s celebration could be longer, but it was decided that the tribe couldn’t “take the chance” of holding a long-term gathering and possibly spreading COVID.
War Dance Chief Stipn Small Salmon also spoke to the crowd after leading the Snake Dance into the pavilion, which is a dance that looks like a war party is coming home from a long journey. Dancers gather outside the pavilion and began moving into the center in a swerving pattern that imitates the movements of a snake. He said, dancers “don’t care how hot it is” during the celebration, they were there to honor their culture. The temperature gage in one vehicle read 108 degrees in the parking area. After he spoke, the celebration opened for the Intertribal Dance where everyone was welcome to gather and celebrate together.
