We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The powwow season is in full swing across the west. One of the longest running powwows in Montana completed another successful run at Fort Belknap last weekend. All the planning, fundraising, promotion and hard work by volunteers paid off with another great Milk River Indian Days event. Participants and guests had a wide range of activities to watch and join. Even the weather cooperated.
On a historical note, it’s said modern day powwows were first developed and staged by Plains tribes in the late 1920’s and the idea quickly spread from coast to coast. Dancing competitively for prize money is a fairly recent phenomenon. There are now over 300 powwows held year-round, from small, local events to major productions that attract dancers and audiences from around the world.
Milk River Indian Days, 2016
A youth powwow kicked off the celebration on Thursday evening. There were lots of opportunities for young and hopeful dancers to show their moves and regalia. Friday morning was a parade winding from the Bingo Hall to the powwow grounds just outside the Agency. There was a run with competitions for different age groups.
Dancing is a major part of any powwow and Milk River Days had lots of opportunities for dancers and those who enjoy watching the dancers. There was a total of four grand entries from Friday evening to early Sunday afternoon, giving audiences a taste of the color and excitement to follow with the dancing competitions and special dances. Spectators rose to honor the grand entry processions and the covered arena filled with the color, joy and solemnity of community.
This year there were 16 specials, including a men’s fancy dance, men’s grass dance and men’s traditional dance. The specials each had a payout of $1,000. There were competitions for different types of dances, dances for each gender and categories for dancers by age.
It’s always interesting to see the dancers outside the arena, but still in their regalia. While only a few minutes ago they were on stage performing dances that date back centuries, outside the arena they were texting, using their smartphone or checking out an exhibit that demonstrated some new technology. It’s an exciting blend of the old and the new all rolled into one experience.
There are many spectators who spend a part of each powwow season traveling from one region to the next in order to experience the differences among powwows and how they are conducted. Especially along this part of Montana, the powwows take on an international flavor as many Canadians attend and dance in Montana. One out-of-state visitor explained, “I’m on vacation and am trying to visit as many powwows as I can. I enjoy dancing, visiting new places and seeing how powwows differ among the tribes.” He added he was having a wonderful time.
And then there’s the food. One spectator who was waiting in line at a food booth said, “Powwows are all about the food.” Even posts on Facebook, about a trip to the Milk River powwow, commented “only at the powwow can you get this kind of food” with an accompanying photo of a plate piled with fry bread and tongue, among several delicacies. Another Facebook post noted, “It was an hour long wait but the special burger was worth the wait!” Waits for once-a-year treats seem minor for the change to enjoy a special food.
Powwows may best be described as a celebration of the senses—the sights of the dancers in their colorful and elaborate regalia, the sounds and feel of the music from the singers as they drum and sing and the aromas and tastes of the food being prepared and served outside the arena.
The next powwow for the Fort Belknap Indian Community will be in Hays. The Hays event begins with a kids’ powwow on Thursday, August 11, and runs through Sunday, August 14.
