Soap Lake Powwow is a return to sacred land
Dancers and drum groups will compete for cash prizes at the Soap Lake Powwow, which begins on 7 p.m. Friday and runs through Sunday. There will be a horse parade, vendors and other activities during the three-day event. This photo was taken at the 2005 Julyamsh Powwow in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
SOAP LAKE — The name Soap Lake stems from the Colville Confederated Tribes word Smokiam, which translates to healing waters, where the people gathered at the lake for healing and spiritual purposes.
The people will gather once again at the place called Smokiam Park to sing, to dance, to feel the heartbeat of the Mother for the annual three-day Soap Lake Powwow. The grand entry begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and the evening’s dancing goes on until 10 p.m.
There will be a Poker Run at 9 a.m. Saturday, followed by a Horse Parade, where the top four horses will win prizes.
The grand entry begins at noon on both Saturday and Sunday, where dancers will compete in men’s traditional, grass dance and fancy dance. The women will feature women’s traditional and jingle dance. The dancers will compete in five different age groups, including tiny tots, juniors, teens, adults and golden age dancers. Organizers are expecting as many as 10 drum groups.
There will be storytelling at the Masquers Theater.
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville is comprised of 12 tribes, Chelan, Chief Joseph Band of Nez Perce, Colville, Entiat, Lakes, Palus, Methow, Moses-Columbia, Nespelem, Okanogan, Sandpoil and the Wenatchee. Their ancestral territory includes most of Eastern Washington, parts of northeastern Oregon and northern Idaho, as well as most of south-central British Columbia.
“This is sacred land that our people have held in their hearts forever, and always will,” Colville elder Barb Aripa told a group in Moses Lake recently. “This our land. The Creator gave us this land to take care of. This is sacred ground and we value that Mother Earth that takes care of each of us. The rivers and the lakes, the animals are all sacred and it is good return to honor this place.”
Mike Sanchez will be the master of ceremonies. There will be a potluck-style dinner on Saturday and various vendors and food booths.
When the people dance, they stay connected and the Soap Lake Powwow is open to all.
For more information visit www.soaplakepowwow.org.