Mosier Community School Celebrates Native American Culture with Pow-Wow Dance
By Joshuah Albert
Mosier, Ore, May 23, 2024 — Today Mosier Community School hosted an event featuring a traditional Pow-Wow dance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Native American tribes in the region including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Yakama, and Umatilla tribes. The event was organized by Lucille Begay.
Begay explained that the dances performed at the event are an important part of Pow-Wows held throughout the region and even into Canada. She highlighted the events importance to teaching cultural appreciation.
“We put this event on to let the community know that we still practice our culture and it is still alive today. We also do it to bring a smile to these kids,” said Begay. “When we first take our breath on Mother Earth, we walk this path as Native American people. All over Turtle Island, there are hundreds and hundreds of tribes.”
Begay, is a lifelong resident of Celilo Wy’am and a member of the Yakama Nation.
“Before there were tribes, there were bands. I come from the Celilo Wy’am Band,” she said, sharing her ancestral history.
The event featured several traditional dances, including the Fancy Bustle, Fancy Shawl, and Plateau Style.
Begay expressed her joy in seeing the students participate.
“I love seeing students be part of this,” she said after the dancing, noting how students began to move to the beat of the drum.
Begay has been collaborating with Mosier Community School to bring such cultural events to fruition, aiming to share the rich traditions and heritage of Native American tribes with both students and teachers.
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