Rhythm of the river

Published 9:00 pm Saturday, August 11, 2001

For tribe members, a powwow is more than just dancing and costumes

By Marcie Miller

Herald Writer

ARLINGTON — Ankle bells ring as the dancers’ footsteps fall in time to a rhythm as old as the river.

To a steady drumbeat and wailing chant, American Indian tribal dancers gather for a powwow as part of the Stillaguamish Festival of the River this weekend at River Meadows County Park east of Arlington.

The 12th annual festival, sponsored by the Stillaguamish Tribe and state and federal agencies, continues today with music, educational displays about the Stillaguamish watershed in northern Snohomish County, and a barbecued salmon dinner hosted by the tribe.

Organizer Pat Stevenson, environmental manager for the tribe, says the goal of the two-day event is to educate people, entertain them and have them come back next year.

More than just entertainment, the powwow is a celebration of the tribal connection to the river, a traditional gathering place for tribes along the Pacific coast.

At 63, Yakama-Umatilla elder Charlie Pierce dances in the "Golden Age" category. He has danced since he was 7, and attends 20 to 30 powwows a year.

"It keeps me going," he said.

Pierce said dancing is a spiritual experience for tribal members.

"When we dance, we pray," Pierce said. "This is like a church to me."

Members of the Warm Springs tribe in Oregon join the Yakama, Lummi, Nespelum, Tulalip and Stillaguamish tribes in celebrating the festival dedicated to the health of the Stillaguamish watershed. The elaborate dancers’ regalia features fur and feathers, leather, beads and bells.

Pierce said the breastplates worn by all the male dancers were once made from eagle bones, but now they are plastic. He pointed out one of the small leather bags hanging from his breastplate, saying it contained dust from Little Big Horn — site of Custer’s last stand.

A small red bag tied just below his heart contained tobacco.

"We get it from the earth, and we give it back to the earth," Pierce said.

William "Jake" Price of the Tulalip tribe was dancing again after a long hiatus.

"It maintains the culture to dance," Price said, pointing out that he was Pierce’s cousin.

Many of the dancers are related in some way. But when an intertribal dance is called, it means people from all tribes are invited to join them as they circle on the grass by the river.

The powwow and festival continue today, with craft booths, educational displays, a "Web of Life" costume parade area featuring costumes from all levels of the food chain, and a giant sand sculpture of leaping salmon.

A musical stage features continuous performances from noon until 8 p.m. today. Go for Broke opens at noon, followed by the Marcia Guderian Trio at 1 p.m. Dana Lyons, best-known for his song "Cows With Guns," heard on National Public Radio, plays at 2 p.m., followed by Havilah at 3 p.m. and Swamp Mama Johnson at 4 p.m. Dave Wakeling from the British ska group The English Beat finishes off the evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

You can call Herald Writer Marcie Miller at 425-339-3292

or send e-mail to mmiller@heraldnet.com.