Arlee Celebration time for family, friends
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
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ARLEE – Drumbeats and native songs carried on the wind through the grass to beckon visitors to a dance floor in the middle of an Arlee field last weekend, where people participated in the 116th Arlee Celebration.
The celebration, sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is a traditional time of rest and togetherness for the local tribes that attract people from around the nation.
As Tracy Kinney of Arlington, Washington watched her first grand entry on Saturday, she had to catch her breath.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Kinney said. “I was moved to tears. It was so beautiful with the drums and the songs. You just stop and think for a moment how beautiful it is.”
Kinney was one of many visitors who found a spot in the spectator’s bleachers, watching the dance competition.
But for many locals, the celebration is rooted in spending time with family, according to the event’s chairwoman Salisha Old Bull. She said the event got its start as a time of rest that was celebrated, even when Indian agents and the United States government tried to squash it. Since then the event has evolved over time. The dance competition draws people in from miles around, but some of the dearest memories aren’t those made through fancy footwork, according to Old Bull. The happy moments take place in the campgrounds and as people celebrate Old Style Day, which recognizes old songs and traditions.
The programs explain to visitors some of the significance of the dances, and give introduction to royalty and elders being honored. Announcers explain the importance of warriors as people rise, take a lap around the dance floor, and shake the hands of two young men who have joined the armed forces.
But some of the most interesting stories are hiding away from the explaining narrative of an emcee, just outside the dance floor.
Betty White, an enrolled Cherokee member with Delaware blood, said she has enjoyed the celebration for 52 years.
“I really enjoy meeting different people and seeing how they are in their tribal dress,” White said.
She has her own interesting story, of coming to the Flathead Reservation at a young age with her husband, another tribal member. The pair lived in Kansas for many years, but now call Pablo their home.
“My husband’s family taught me everything,” White said of her regalia. “I’ve been dressing northern style for many years.”
This year’s celebration was more than an opportunity for White to learn more about other’s traditions. It was a time of great happiness for her family, as her daughter came from Kansas and got married in the campgrounds.
“They got married in front of a tipi,” White said, smiling.
The bridesmaids wore traditional ribbons and Justice of the Peace Joey Jayne came in Navajo regalia to join the pair.
“It’s been a double exciting weekend,” White said.
