Jeremy Logan
The Communicator

The Red Nations, one of the clubs here at Spokane Falls are preparing for their 17th annual Pow Wow. The Pow Wow is the largest event of the year for the Red Nations. It features live music, singing, ceremonial dancing, a variety of concession stands with various arts and crafts, and native american foods from all different tribes across the Pacific Northwest.
They will also have a free dinner provided that Saturday evening at 5, followed by a graduation ceremony for members of the Red Nations.
“A Pow Wow is a ceremony, it’s very open, and there is a spiritual connection. It enlightens the soul,” said Jackie Hernandez, member of the Red Nations, and the Pow Wow coordinator.
The Red Nation has been  coordinating various fund raisers to pay for the event.
“It’s mostly what The Red Nation works towards every year. We are raising money for the Pow Wow because it’s such a big event,” Hernandez said. “We have raffles.”
“We sell indian tacos,” said Joel Archdale, Vice President of Red Nations.
The Indian tacos are made with, “fry bread,” said Hernandez, “and also (depending on) where you’re from, what reservation. You could have regular beef, regular meat, bison or buffalo. It really just depends on what reservation you are from”
They can even be made with “Chili,” said Archdale.
The Red Nations want the Pow Wow to carry on a long tradition, enlighten others to their culture and teach young Native Americans to be proud of their heritage.
“We will have a lot of different dance categories,” said Sarah Brown, the Red Nation Secretary.
“We have tiny tots dancing,” said Hernandez, “for the younger generation to get more involved and know where they came from. To teach them not to be ashamed of who they are.”
Among the dance categories is men’s fancy dancing. The men will be dressed in full fancy garb as they maintain rhythm with the beat of the drum circle, bright colorful feathers and fringed leather in full display as they twirl and bounce to the beat.
“It’s a fast, fast, competition,” Archdale said, “you have to stay to every beat of the drum, and they will stop at any moment too. They just stop and you have to pause with that step, then they will continue again.”
“When you listen to the beat, they say its like the sound of a heart,” Hernandez adds.
The Red Nation is excited for the event and hope that everyone will come down and enjoy the festivities.
“It’s very spirit like,” Hernandez said. “Come enjoy the rich culture. That’s what it’s all about.”
“Come down, it’s going to be fun,” Brown said, “there will be lots to do.”