48th annual Pow-Wow this week

USK – The 48th annual Kalispel Tribal Pow-Wow will take place Friday-Sunday, Aug. 1-3, complete with dancing, drumming, a bison feed, softball tournament and fun run, along with stick games.

Things start Thursday, July 31 with a campers’ night. That night there is intertribal dancing and a Tribal Memorial dinner in honor of those who have passed away. This includes beloved elders and leaders Francis Cullooyah and Stan Bluff, who both passed away. Cullooyah was the Kalispel Cultural Program Director and former Tribal Chairman and Bluff was also a former Tribal Chairman.

Activities get underway again Friday, with the 10-year anniversary canoe landing at 2 p.m. The grand entry starts at 7 p.m. There is a grand entry Saturday at 1 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. The grand entry on Sunday is at 1 p.m.

Saturday things will get underway with the Buffalo Fun Run at 9 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and is free to all ages and skill levels. For more information on the fun run, call Byron Treetop at 509-671-4023.

The buffalo barbecue begins at 11 a.m. and is free to the public. Yes, event organizers are well aware that it is actually bison, but the event has long been called the Buffalo BBQ.

This year’s outgoing Miss Qlispe’ is Feather Auld and outgoing Lil Miss Qlispe’ is Trinity Madera. Applications for new Qlispe royalty are accepted Friday-Saturday. Contestants sell raffle tickets and participate in an interview and dance exhibition. Winners are chosen Saturday and announced in the afternoon session. For more information about royalty and how to apply, contact Anna Armstrong at 509-570-8063.

The public is always invited to attend the Pow-Wow, though there is etiquette that organizers ask people to practice.

“When people are watching the dancing, please stand and sit when asked,” says Afton Servas, Kalispel Tribe Public Relations Coordinator. “Photography of dancers is allowed while they are in the arena, but if you’re walking around the grounds and want photos of specific dancers, it’s the polite thing to ask first.

“While they’re here, they are guests in our home,” Servas says. “Behave like a good guest, obey posted rules, throw away your trash, say please and thank you.”

The dance and drum competitions will award cash prizes. The drum contest gives away $31,000 in prizes, with $10,000 going to first place; $8,000 to second place; $6,000 to third; $4,000 to fourth, and $3,000 to fifth place.

Stick games are also a big part of the Pow-Wow, with first place winning $10,000; second place winning $8,000; $6,000 for third, and $4,000 for fourth. Entry fee is $100 for a team of three to five players. There will be open games only on Friday, with the main games starting Saturday. Registration is open from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a singing contest before the main games start, with prizes to be determined.

The three-man tournament is Sunday with registration from Noon to 2 p.m. There is a $75 entry fee. Youth stick games are also Sunday for ages 13 and under with free entry for teams of three to five players. First place wins $1,200, second place $800, third place $600 and $400 for fourth place. The kids’ games will be played in memory of Nalene “Lamna” Andrews.

For more information about the stick games, contact Samma Pierce at 509-496-4891 or Cokes LittleCrow at 509-6713965.

There will also be a coed softball tournament for participants 18 years and older. There is a $200 entry fee per team. The tournament starts Saturday and plays into Sunday. For more information, contact Colton Seymour at 509671-0615.

A film crew will be recording archival footage for the tribe over the weekend. By attending the event, spectators are agreeing to possibly be filmed and/or photographed. The tribe reserves the right to use those recordings and images. Signs explaining this are posted at the security entrance.

The Kalispel Pow-Wow is a free, family-friendly event. No alcohol, drugs or firearms are allowed, and vehicles are subject to search.

“Everyone needs to be courteous to security and maintenance personnel,” Servas says. “They are giving up their weekend so you can enjoy the festivities.”