Over the weekend, hundreds of dancers joined traditional drummers at the Northwest’s largest powwow in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Emily Schwing shares this audio postcard and video from the weekend's events.
Thousands Flock To Northwest's Largest Powwow
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Julyamsh was cancelled in 2015 after a disagreement about Idaho's legalized gaming machines at the powwow's former location. This year's powwow was held at the Kootenai County fairgrounds, nearby a traditional tribal gathering place.
Emily Schwing / Northwest News Network
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Julyamsh is the largest powwow in the Northwest and among the top five powwows in the nation.
Emily Schwing / Northwest News Network
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Hundreds of drummers and dancers were in North Idaho for the powwow. They were dressed in vibrant costumes covered in fathers and made from animal skins. Many of the dancers also wore strings of bells around their ankles.
Emily Schwing / Northwest News Network
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There are a number of categories dancers compete in to show off their talent. These young men are waiting to be called for the chicken dance, which emulates the prairie chicken.
Emily Schwing / Northwest News Network