Winter Blessing showcases Coeur d'Alene Tribe's rich culture
COEUR d’ALENE — It’s a perfect time to build a small fire, sit close to your friends and family and listen to stories.
In that spirit, the Coeur d’Alene Casino and Resort holds its annual Winter Blessing.
“The winter blessing is a chance to share who we are,” said Casino Resort Cultural Affairs Director Quanah Matheson. “At the same time, we want to give back to the community. We will share a prayer, share the drum and song.”
The Winter Blessing will be held Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the event is open to the public. The free event features singing, drums, prayers and storytelling. The casino will also announce donations of $15,000 to local charities during the festivities.
Storytelling was and is a strong element of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s culture. It was used to pass down history, as well as teaching life lessons, including morality and ethics, through humor and drama.
“In the old days, we didn’t have TV, iPhones and computers,” said Matheson. “After the people did all the work, getting food, and cutting firewood, they would get together in their large communal living spaces and enjoy the entertainment of the story teller, who would magnificently and exquisitely put the story on for the audience.”
One of those traditions is coyote stories. “Coyote always played both sides of things,” he said. “That’s why he is such a good teacher. He helped people understand that if you do something good this will happen. And if you do something bad, this will happen. He was a sneaky guy, but in doing so he could teach people morality and ethics.”
There will be refreshments served, including fry bread and jam — a popular choice among the Coeur d’Alenes.
The Winter Blessing is a ceremony during which the tribe gives money to various charities and shares their stories, language and culture with those in attendance. The event will close with a celebratory fireworks display.
“It’s giving back,” Matheson said. “I say we’re an artistic people because we’re authentic with our words, our song, our drums and our dance.”
For more information on the Winter Blessing, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and the Coeur d'Alene Casino, visit www.cdacasino.com.