Each year, thousands of attendees look forward to the 4th of July weekend Powwow Celebration in Arlee. We gather for traditional dancing, drumming, singing, and games. Personally, its one of my favorite places to run into friends and family that I only see once a year, to witness the beauty of the different ways that each generation appreciates the powwow, and, of course, to get a genuine, real deal, traditional Indian Taco.

Like most things, the Powwow didn't happen last year, and, after much discussion about public safety, was scrapped for this year. However, the Arlee Celebration Committee felt that a single day gathering to honor those we have lost to COVID-19 would be appropriate. The Flathead Indian Reservation newspaper Char-Koosta News said it best, "It is important for tribal traditions along with families and communities have the opportunity to engage and implement the values of our culture that assists in many ways with healing and moving forward in a healthy and positive manner."

Local families are invited to the Memorial Gathering on Sunday, July 4th at the Arlee Celebration Powwow Campgrounds. There is no admission fee and masks could be required at times. See below for the agenda.

10:30- Mass

Noon- Memorial

1 p.m.- Stick Game

2 p.m.- Snake Dance

3 to 5 p.m.- Honoring of Veterans with traditional and social dancing

5 p.m.- Committee Feed

7 p.m.- Snake Dance with traditional and social dancing

10 p.m.- Home Sweet Home

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