Arlee Powwow rings in the summer season
Valley Journal Staff
The Arlee Esyapqenyi has been held nearly year for decades. This dancer took to the floor in 2019, donning impressive regalia.
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
Taylor Davison
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ARLEE — The 123rd Arlee Esyapqenyi (Celebration) wrapped up this week on July 4 after days of celebration, remembrance and dancing.
The celebration was initially banned by the U.S. government in 1890, but a few years later the Tribe named it as a Fourth of July Celebration, and thus it was allowed. Minus some time off due to COVID-19, the Esyapqenyi has been held every year since.
This year’s powwow began with Campers’ Day, opening up the gates at 9 a.m. to welcome those who had traveled to attend. The second day marked the celebrations’ Memorial Ceremony, which is historically the day to honor loved ones who passed away. According to the Arlee Powwow website, those who had special inheritances would join in a procession led by one of the spiritual leaders and people would carry or wear memorial keepsakes.
“After the procession was finished, the announcement was made: ‘leave your sorrows, it is now the time to celebrate for happiness,’” the website explains of the history.
Things kicked into high gear on day three with “Honoring the Ways of the Salish People.” The day started bright and early with a kids’ co-ed three-on-three basketball tourney, before the royalty contestants prepared for their morning interviews. Social dancing marked the afternoon before the competitions got started with the royalty dance exhibition judging and the drum and dance competitions as well. Once the judging was done, the Grand Entry kicked off the evening, with traditional, jingle, fancy, grass, and chicken dances performed by the talented attendees.
The next day started out with a fun run bright and early at 8 a.m., before easing into the drum and dance in the afternoon. The 2023-24 Royalty were crowned, and an honor dance performed. A Down-Syndrome Awareness event was held as well to honor Kenna Baylor. Kids’ dance competitions were held in the afternoon before the drum contests began, and another Grand Entry brought everyone back in to celebrate, which went well into the evening.
The second to last day introduced the Royalty, Inter-Tribals and exhibition dances for Tiny Tots and Golden Age, (those over 70), and more drum and dance contests were held throughout the day until the flags were retired at 6 p.m. and the 2023 competition winners were announced.
The final day of the powwow was celebrated with the Snake Dance, as well as plenty of social dancing and singing to mark another significant year of coming together in celebration and community.
To learn more about the Arlee Esyapqenyi, go online to: ArleePowwow.com or visit their social media at: https://www.facebook.com/arleepowwow/
