14th annual Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow to be held this weekend

A grand entry during the 2012 Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow, the 14th of which had been scheduled for this Saturday at Toledo High School. Community members are welcome to attend and help honor the spirit of the Cowlitz People.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe will be "Honoring the Spirit of All Cowlitz People" at the 14th annual Pow Wow Saturday at Toledo High School.

The Pow Wow is a full-day event from noon until 10 p.m., and admission is free. Master of Ceremonies Don Ryan will conduct grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the assistance of Arena Director Ed Wulf. Head Woman and Head Man Dancers, Kevin and Jeanifer King (Cowlitz), will be your host throughout the day and into the evening. We are proud to present Grey Eagle as Honor Drum and 206 Singers as Host Drum.

As in years past, Veterans of all military service, whether Native or not, will be recognized and honored just after the grand entries with a handmade gift to each. The Cowlitz Drum Group will provide special presentations of their drumming and singing after each grand entry.

Dance contests will be held this year during the afternoon and evening sessions, with a diverse variety of contests that will provide for participation from all the age ranges. There will be drumming, dancing, vendors selling crafts and food items throughout the day and evening. Raffles will be ongoing throughout the event: a general raffle, a Pendleton Blanket raffle, and 50/50 raffles. These, along with food concessions and sales of merchandise specific to the Cowlitz Pow Wow, help the Committee raise funds to cover the expenses of this large undertaking. A free dinner will be served at 5 p.m.; donations are accepted and appreciated. After dinner and before the 7 p.m. Grand Entry, a children’s program with games and legend from Cowlitz Spiritual Leader Roy Wilson will entertain youth who wish to participate.

A number of businesses and individuals have donated to help with the success of the Pow Wow, and their generosity is very much appreciated. For those interested, donations will continue to be gratefully accepted.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Committee Chair Suzanne Donaldson at (360) 280-2321. Interested vendors may contact Larry Knutson at (503) 867-7967. Please leave a message and we will contact you at our earliest convenience. You ay also find updates on our website, www.cowlitz.org, and "Like Us" on our Facebook page: Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow.