A tribal tradition
LOREN BENOIT/Press file Dancers dressed in traditional regalia participate in the Julyamsh Grand Entry at The Kootenai County Fairgrounds in 2018.
COEUR d’ALENE — Julyamsh, which means “the gathering in July,” will bring dance, drums, food, tribal artists and craftspeople to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds today through Sunday.
Everyone is welcome.
The annual powwow awards more than $120,000 in prizes for various age, dance and drum categories. Julyamsh attracts about 300 dancers and 20 drummers from across the United States and Canada.
Quanah Matheson, Coeur d’Alene Casino Cultural Affairs director, will return as a master of ceremonies. He expects this year’s crowd to surpass last year’s, as the powwow is again being held on the last weekend of the month. The celebration was on the third weekend of the month last year, which affected attendance.
“We invite everyone to enjoy this true celebration of our cultures coming together and sharing their dances and songs passed from one generation to the next,” said Francis SiJohn, chief executive of Coeur d’Alene Casino.
Food and arts and crafts vendors will be set up throughout the weekend. Grand entry begins at 7 p.m. today and continues at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The weather for the powwow is forecast to be in the 80s and 90s, with no rain expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Camping is $10. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free.