The Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow returns on Saturday after skipping two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first time in its two-decade history, the event will be held in Cowlitz County, at the Cowlitz County Event Center in Longview. The pow wow was held in Toledo for 18 years before moving to the Clark County Fairgrounds in 2019.
The grand entries are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Attendees can donate and receive a salmon dinner at 5 p.m. Tribal elders are served first, then dancers, drummers and the crowd, according to organizers.
A pow wow is a Native American celebration during which people from a variety of indigenous nations gather for dancing, singing and honoring traditions, according to the Cowlitz Tribe.
Saturday’s pow wow will include drums, dancing and dance competitions. Spectators, including nontribal members, are welcome to attend the family friendly event, where no drugs or alcohol are allowed, according to the tribe.
The pow wow will also include 46 Native American vendors selling beadwork, clothing, blankets, hats, pottery, books, drums and food. Specially-designed pow wow gear will also be sold at the event.
“Our pow wow committee is excited to be bringing our Cowlitz pow wow back after the pandemic,” said Shaina Okert, Cowlitz Indian Tribe communications team, in an email. “A great team has come together to bring the celebration to life and we all look forward to Saturday.”
