May 7, 2009

Tribes converge for gathering

      The Mid Columbia will once again serve as Oregon’s regional hub May 15 and 16 as tribes from throughout the region celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday with an Indian encampment and a Gathering of Tribes.
      Celilo Village, on the Columbia River just east of The Dalles, will host Friday’s gathering, with the arrival of the canoes ceremony at 2 p.m. The Dalles will host a parade downtown Saturday morning, with a pow-wow at the Fort Dalles Rodeo grounds in the afternoon.
      The gathering is sponsored by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Klamath Tribes (Klamath, Modoc, Yahooskin), The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Burns Paiute Tribe.
      All events are open to the public.

Schedule:

May 15, Celilo Village
      9 a.m. Historical Sites Tour
      9 a.m. Golf Scramble at The Dalles Country Club
      2 p.m. Arrival of the canoes, ceremony and presentations
      5 p.m. Traditional salmon bake
      6 p.m. Youth activities: stories, social dances, crafts
      8 p.m. Stick Game tournament and prizes.

May 16, downtown The Dalles
      9 a.m. Parade lineup
      11 a.m. Traditional parade
May 16, Fort Dalles Rodeo Grounds
      1 p.m. History and demonstration dances
      2 p.m. Pow-wow grand entry
      Special dances include Eagle Dance, Hoop Dance, Owl Dance and Social Dances
      Performances and tribal history provided throughout
      6 p.m. Pow-wow closing.