Arlee Pow-wow

As I am co-teaching a course on Traditional Ecological Knowledge a lot of our course the next two weeks is focused in and around the tribal lands of the Montana Rockies, particularly amongst the Flathead and Blackfoot reservations.

We have some great readings, guest speakers and an epic backpacking trip through the heart of the Flathead Range in only a few days. For today though we have timed our arrival with the annual Flathead Pow-Wow in nearby Arlee Montana.

Pow-wows historically and today are simply meeting events between and within tribes to share, sell, dance, and make merry. It was a warm sunny day and plenty of people were at the pow-wow, both natives and whites. We let the students go off on their own and explore. I wandered the grounds and ate my fill of fry bread listening to drummers compete.

The highlight of the visit though was watching the elaborate, charged dancing competitions. The buildup of drumming and chanting in which so many colorful dancers of all ages emerges is charged with energy and pride. Each group of dancers competes, not just to be the best dancers, but also in their costume and enthusiasm. It was eye candy for a photographer. Out of so many great photos though, I had to settle for this big smile. It seemed to best represent the day :)