Northwest Magazines

To witness a rodeo or a pow wow is to see history come alive, but these events are not just a look at the ways of the past. They are a view into the celebration of vibrant cultures still preserved—full of color, tradition, and often incredible excitement.

In the Old West, cattle ranged freely on huge expanses of open grassland. Cattle drives were essential both for branding the calves and to round up enough beef to supply hungry Eastern markets. As ranchers got together for roundups, friendly bronc busting and calf roping contests took place. From that came Wild West shows, the most famous one being Buffalo Bill Cody’s. Nowadays, professional rodeo riders pit their skills against sturdy rodeo stock.

Pow wows are a time for Native Americans and others to join with friends in dancing, singing, and visiting. The pageantry of pow wows combines colorful clothing bedecked with beads and feathers with songs and dances having deep roots in tribal beliefs and social customs. The music and motion create stories in song.

Here is a selection of rodeos and pow wows around the Northwest.

It’s rodeo and pow wow season—
time to enjoy some of the
region’s most colorful
gatherings.

Story by Sue Hansen

Oregon

Wildhorse Pow-wow
Pendleton, Oregon
July 6–8

For the Confederated Tribes of
the Umatilla Indians, pow wows have been an important part of tribal history. Consisting of three tribes––the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla––the 2500 tribal members are proud of their Native traditions and customs that extend back several thousand years.

Showcasing their colorful past,
the Wildhorse Pow-wow, held at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino, is the tribes’ largest event and is free for public viewing. Within a grassy arena, drumming and singing groups compete for $50,000 in prize money. Now in its 13th year, the high-energy entertainment has an educational aspect for tribal culture. The event also attracts a number of Native American artisans and food vendors with traditional crafts and treats.

With the drum groups and singers positioned under big awnings in the arena, several hundred dancers make
a grand entry that is clearly reveren-
tial. They may all be competing for points, but their celebration of the importance of dance to modern tribal culture honors ancient roots. It’s a
sight worth seeing. (800-654-9453;
www.wildhorseresort.com)

Philomath Frolic & Rodeo
Philomath, Oregon
July 12–15

The first Philomath roundup, organized in 1915 by R. P. McClelland, was a rowdy “ropin’ and ridin’ ” event that drew world-famous cowboys competing for generous prize money along with a large gathering of Native Americans from the Pacific Northwest.

After the 1916 roundup, the war took precedence over the rodeo. It wasn’t revived until 1953, when three local couples decided Philomath needed a western frolic parade complete with a local queen. From that, the Buckaroo and Loggers’ Frolic emerged with a logging show, trail rides, carnival, and truck rodeo, plus an old-fashioned community picnic. And in 1983, the rodeo was brought back, changing the event’s name to Philomath Frolic & Rodeo.

Leasing 21 acres of land, volunteers built a rodeo arena and gained the approval of the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association (NPRA). “We have been voted by the NPRA as ‘the best rodeo in the Northwest’ seven times since 1994,” said Carol Steuve, the Frolic’s public relations director.

The entire town—plus 10,000 visitors—comes together for breakfasts and barbecues, parades and dances, fiddle jams, and rodeo action. The fun
is family-oriented and 50 percent of
the profits goes back into the community to organizations such as the Food Bank and library, plus youth organizations such as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. (541-929-2499; www.philomathrodeo.org)

Chief Joseph Days
Joseph, Oregon
July 25–29

The first rodeo, staged July 28, 1946, happened because a group of people in Joseph wanted a celebration. By contacting local rancher Harley Tucker, who owned rodeo stock, and Ben Peal, whose family owned land bordering Wallowa Lake, a rodeo was organized. The following year, the Joseph Rodeo Committee decided to bring the rodeo to town and Roy Daggett donated land for the rodeo grounds. Volunteers donated time and materials for the arena.

Named in honor of Nez Perce Chief Joseph, the PRCA-sanctioned rodeo has grown into a five-day event supported by the entire community of 1250. The rodeo draws as many as 20,000 spectators.

There are also parades: one with kids on Friday morning and a Grand Procession early Saturday led by Nez Perce tribal members. More than 10,000 visitors attend the parades, featuring a grand marshal, flag bearers, floats, and the renowned Boise Highlanders band.

Another highlight is the Friendship Feast and Powwow held Saturday afternoon at the Indian encampment next to the rodeo grounds. Here, the Nez Perce tribe serves traditional foods such as salmon and elk, with local committee members adding potluck dishes. A dance competition takes place as well.

From a little rodeo 60 years ago to a popular annual attraction voted one of the top five small outdoor rodeos by the PRCA, Chief Joseph Days still retains a small town flavor within a fun-filled western extravaganza. (541-432-1015; www.chiefjosephdays.com)

Pendleton Round-Up
Pendleton, Oregon
September 12–15

Let ‘Er Buck! It’s a fitting slogan for a spectacular rodeo that’s been around for almost 100 years. The Pendleton Round-Up is action-packed, featuring gutsy contestants in cowboy hats competing against cantankerous animals that don’t want to be ridden.
First held in 1910, the Round-Up was originally organized to bring local farmers and ranchers together in September, at the end of harvest, for some bronc bustin’, horse racin’ fun. The Umatilla Tribe was also invited to take part in the festivities with Poker Jim (nephew of Chief Joseph) the tribal chief in the Round-Up’s early days.

“Seven thousand people showed up in 1910,” said Butch Thurman, current president of the Pendleton Round-Up. “It was such a success, attendance early on exploded to 50,000.”

Today, it’s a full-fledged PRCA event, with the added attraction of Indian relay races and wild cow milk-ing. Also, two nights are devoted to bull riding as part of the National Tour of Professional Bull Riders.

And don’t miss the Westward Ho Parade on Friday morning. It’s the largest non-motorized parade in America, with all transportation animal-driven.

For nightly entertainment, there are “kick-off concerts” and the Happy Canyon pageant, highlighting local tribal culture and traditions along with the history of Lewis and Clark plus Oregon Trail pioneers. Yesteryear is still alive in Pendleton. (800-457-6336; www.pendletonroundup.com)

Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians 30th Annual Restoration Powwow
Lincoln City, Oregon
November 17

Though the event’s name is long, it’s appropriate for the lengthy history of the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians. Their past heritage is pivotal to a special pow wow held in the fall.

The Restoration Powwow is a gathering held to honor a significant date: November 18. On that day in 1977, the Siletz Indians became the first tribe in Oregon and the second in the nation to regain federal recognition. “Among our people, this date is very important to us,” said Darlene Turner, player services representative at Chinook Winds Casino Resort, the pow wow’s host for the past 10 years.

It was in 1955 that the U.S. government officially terminated all tribes in the country, followed by the Western Oregon Termination Act in 1957. From that time until 1977, many Siletz tribal members worked hard to restore their tribe’s name. Their successful efforts are celebrated each year with traditional music and dance.

Unlike other pow wows, the Restoration Powwow isn’t a competition. It’s their story of trials turned triumphant. (800-922-1399; http://ctsi.nsn.us/Restoration_pow_wow.html)

Washington

Yakama Nation Treaty Day
Rodeo and Pow Wow
White Swan, Washington
June 8–10

The Yakama Nation’s pow wow and rodeo commemorates a special date
in their history––June 9, 1855. It signifies “Treaty Day” when the Yakama Nation signed its first treaty with the United States government. Now, more than 150 years later, the celebration continues, blending traditional and contemporary activities.

Always held on the weekend closest to June 9, the pow wow and rodeo take place near White Swan on the Yakama Nation Reservation. Here, people gather at the historical Yakama encampment grounds with a natural springs nearby. “Our ancestors came here after harvesting huckleberries in the fall,” said Ron Washines, managing editor of the Yakama Tribal newspaper. “It was one of the last foods prepared for winter.”

But in June, the main events are the sanctioned rodeo where tribal members from 12 regions across the U.S. and Canada compete for qualification to the Indian National Finals Rodeo and the traditional dance and drumming competitions.

Other activities include the Treaty Day parade and tournaments for golf, bowling, and softball. It’s a fun-filled three days and the Yakama Nation welcomes guests to take part in a special tradition handed down for generations. (509-865-5121)

Colville Tribes’
4th of July Pow Wow
Nespelem, Washington
June 29––July 8

The Colville Indian Reservation encompasses 1.4 million acres in north central Washington. Here, descendants of 12 indigenous tribes live as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

The 4th of July Pow Wow was first held in 1855 during the tribes’ transitional move onto the Reservation. Chief Moses invited Chief Joseph, who came to live on the Reservation and died there in 1904, to a pow wow, and an annual tradition was born. Today, the Pow Wow is a two-week event that begins with the traditional horse parade and traditional name-giving ceremony honoring new family members as well as a memorial day of remembrance for those who have passed on. Competitive drumming, singing, dancing and stick games attract the best performers in the country.

But the Pow Wow’s most significant draw as a gathering is the tribal campsites. “When the Pow Wow first started, families would gather and set up their tipis in certain spots,” said Flodell Williams, great-granddaughter of David Williams, one of Chief Joseph’s peace chiefs. “It was more a social gathering and the campsites have been passed down from generation to generation.”

Visitors are welcome to walk among the 30 to 40 campsites, but should respect family privacy, though tribal members are willing to share stories of their heritage if asked. All other Pow Wow events are open to the public to enjoy the spirit and celebration of the Confederated Tribes’ of the Colville Reservation. Contest dancing takes place July 6 through 8. (509-634-2589; www.colvilletribes.com)

Long Beach Peninsula
Saddle Club Rodeo
Long Beach, Washington
July 28–29

This is a small-town rodeo big on fun for the whole family. And it’s hosted by a group of dedicated horsemen and women with a history as old as their rodeo.

The Long Beach Peninsula Saddle Club was organized in 1946 to pro-mote good fellowship among horse owners in the community and to help out with local activities. The club’s property includes a rodeo arena, clubhouse, and year-round camping for those with horses. Its close proximity to the sandy shoreline gives a casual atmosphere to the rodeo as compared to larger venues elsewhere. “About 2000 people attend our rodeo every year, making it more intimate for those who come,” said Nancy Campiche, president of the Saddle Club and avid barrel racer. “And with so much room to roam on the property, it’s more relaxed here.”

After the famous cowboy breakfast on Saturday morning, the rodeo starts with a patriotic Grand Entry. Then competitors show their skills at calf roping and steer wrestling, saddle bronc and bareback riding, bull riding and barrel racing. Afterwards, kids get to partici-pate in Family Night, where youthful excitement prevails in stick horse racing, greased-pig chase, and pee-wee barrel racing.

Because the Saddle Club is nonprofit, local sponsors help with the cost of putting on the rodeo, sharing in the 62-year-old tradition that is Old West Americana at its best. The entire town of Long Beach embraces the rodeo, with everyone—from residents to merchants—wearing western attire. (360-642-3844; www.peninsulasaddleclub.com)

Idaho

Mackay Rodeo
Mackay, Idaho
June 16–17

With a population of 680, Mackay hosts Idaho’s “wildest rodeo” on the amateur circuit. On Father’s Day weekend, several thousand spectators cheer on contestants riding some of the best livestock in the business. “Our broncs and bulls come from the highly reputable P & P Rodeo Company in nearby Darlington,” said Barbara Welch, public relations director for the Mackay Rodeo. “The Pehrson family are so well-known for their exceptional livestock that area rodeo fans and national breeders know the bulls by name.”
It also helps that the Mackay Rodeo is one of the state’s first big rodeos of the year and the bucking stock is rarin’ to go. Along with wild rides atop hoof-stomping horses and bulls, there are team and calf roping events plus steer wrestling and barrel racing. Just like the long livestock lineage of the animals, some cowboys and cowgirls are second and third generations from rodeo families.
Now in its 62nd year, Mackay Rodeo knows how to celebrate the total rodeo experience. From the parades to an old-time western shootout, this home-town event has down-home hospitality. (208-588-2956 or 208-588-2649)

Julyamsh Pow Wow
Post Falls, Idaho
July 27–29

The largest pow wow in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest in America, Julyamsh (which means “gathering in July”) brings together scores of tribes from across the country and Canada. The pow wow is co-hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Approximately 60,000 people throughout North America, Europe, and Asia attend this colorful ceremony that reunites tribal families and friends.

Held at Post Falls Greyhound Park, the three-day pow wow begins with a horse parade and Grand Entry on Friday evening. Traditional foods can be sampled and visitors can purchase Native American arts and crafts as well as clothing and jewelry, but it’s the 800-plus dancers and 60 drum groups that mesmerize audiences. “The drum represents the heartbeat of our people and of all people,” said Cliff SiJohn, a Coeur d’Alene tribal member and former Julyamsh director. “The dancers are there to honor our elders, serve as mentors for our children, and to breathe life into thousands of years of history. Indian cultures are enduring treasures, and we share those treasures when we dance.”

When Julyamsh began a decade ago, it was organized with the intention of thanking the Creator for the many blessings given to the tribes and for the tribes’ desire to share their bounty with one another along with non-natives in the local community and beyond. That’s why Julyamsh has free admission. It’s the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s way of giving something back to their homeland. (800-523-2464; www.cdacasino.com)

Montana

World Famous Bucking Horse Sale
Miles City, Montana
May 18–20

Every May in Miles City, hardy humans and ornery animals are matched up inside an arena for a hoof-stomping, body-bouncing, down-in-the-dirt rodeo.

But it’s not just any rodeo. Since 1951, Miles City has hosted the World Famous Bucking Horse Sale, where rodeo contractors and other horse buyers from across the country and Canada come to watch high-spirited horses kicking up their hooves. As spectators look on, serious stockmen bid on these wild-looking creatures exploding from chutes during an action-packed auction showcasing the cream of the bucking crop.

The Bucking Horse Sale dates back to the days of the U.S. Cavalry. Back then, cowboys were hired to tame unruly horses before they were sold to the Army. But after World War II, rodeo stockmen became the main purchasers of bucking broncs. Today, the sale is a three-day event that includes bull riding and horse racing, a parade, and country western concerts. It draws 10,000 to 15,000 spectators annually.

“The broncs that come to Miles City are the best in the West and even-tually make appearances at other rodeos throughout the country,” said Don Richard, president of the board of governors for Bucking Horse Sale Inc. “The Bucking Horse Sale is the granddaddy of all stock shows.” (800-346-1876; www.custer.visitmt.com)

North American Indian Alliance Powwow
Butte, Montana
September 14–15

At the 33rd annual North American Indian Alliance Powwow, you can expect drumming and dancing, but the focus is a celebration of life––specifically the lives of tribal youth.

“This is a big September gather-ing in Butte right before the start of the school year,” said Moke Eaglefeather, director of the North American Indian Alliance. “We honor our elders who mentor our kids as leaders for tomorrow.”

The Alliance is a nonprofit organization serving Native Americans in rural and urban areas. Its commitment is to protect and perpetuate the health and welfare of tribal members. The pow wow promotes the tribe’s accomplishments with a social setting where old friends meet andnew friendships are made.

Held at the Butte Civic Center, the pow wow’s grand entry and chili/frybread feast takes place on Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning, a pancake breakfast and a 5K walk/run race are followed by youth dancing, then adult dancers and drum groups after a community dinner.

The two-day event is still a contest for cash prizes, but the atmosphere surrounding the pow wow is one of Native American pride passed down to the next generation. (406-782-0461; www.naia-butte.org)

British Columbia

Williams Lake Stampede
Williams Lake, British Columbia
June 29–July 2

The Williams Lake Stampede is a rip-roaring rodeo with roots dating back to 1919. Like all frontier towns at the turn of the last century, people along the famous Cariboo Trail headed to Williams Lake to socialize every so often. The Stampede was a major event, with ranchers bringing some good bucking stock for cowboys to ride. Behind the present day grandstand, big tent camps covered the hillside, where people visited with friends and danced, gambled, and shared meals.

These days, along with parades, concerts, and rodeo performances during the four-day celebration, there are several unique events. For fast-paced fun, the Pony Chariot Races pit drivers in two-wheeled chariots pulled by two-horse teams around an oval dirt track. The Mountain Race is a hair-raising ride on horseback down nearby Fox Mountain to the Stampede grounds. And the Wild Horse Race pairs unbroken horses and determined cowboys who try to saddle up for a mad dash to the finish line.

Another very popular event made its debut at the Stampede in 1994. The Top Dog Competition features highly trained dogs herding cows around an obstacle course into a pen. It’s a “dogged” twist to a cattle drive. (800-717-6336; www.williamslakestampede.com)

Northwest Travel May/June 2007