By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News
The sound of thunderous drums could be heard caroming off gymnasium walls and the sight of dancers in Indigenous regalia brought the Tribal community together for a memorable experience at the Puyallup Tribal Wellness Powwow/Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 23 at Chief Leschi Schools.
It was the second consecutive year the Wellness Powwow took place since its three-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A bevy of Tribes from Washington, Arizona, Montana, Idaho and Oregon congregated on the Puyallup Reservation to celebrate Indigenous culture and compete for prizes in drum and dance competitions. Grand Entry began at 1 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.
A sizable feast including salmon, chicken, corn, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls and vegetables was unveiled in the cafeteria during the dinner break at 5 p.m. The Holiday Bazaar, which included close to 50 vendors, occurred in the hallway of the main gymnasium and in the auxiliary gymnasium adjacent to the cafeteria.
Tribal Council Members Annette Bryan and Anna Bean were present at the event, which featured close to 500 individuals in attendance. Powwow Chair Norma EagleSpeaker, committee member Laricia Garcia and staff members from the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority hosted the festivities.
Puyallup Tribal Member Naiyeli Cruz-Garcia and Chief Leschi Schools senior, who will attend the University of Washington next year, was named the Wellness Queen during the royalty portion of the extravaganza. She plans on majoring in Native American studies and education at UW.
“It was a goal of mine for this year. I’m happy to be given the opportunity to run for it,” Cruz-Garcia said. “I’m really excited for this year and what this year has to come. Culture means a lot to me. It is probably one of the reasons why I am so invested in this community today.”
Ann Wagner was grinning from ear to ear throughout the duration of the Wellness Powwow, soaking in the unity and camaraderie evident amongst families and generations in attendance. Wagner has worked at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority for the past 26 years in the dental clinic.
“Seeing our young children and young adults expressing their heritage and their expressiveness of how happy they are to be here; it is just really good medicine. It brings a smile to my face,” Wagner said.
Dancers captivated the audience in their regalia including jingles, tassels and feathers, performing and competing in a myriad of different categories. Laricia Garcia has been part of the Puyallup Tribal Powwow Committee since 2003 and expressed how being fully immersed in these types of events touches her emotionally.
“Being around all of the different Tribes is like home for me. I have learned so much from Norma (EagleSpeaker) and all of my other friends on the committee. I just feel at home,” Garcia explained.
With Veterans Day occurring just 12 days prior to the Wellness Powwow, veterans present made their way to the floor and were recognized for their sacrifice and bravery. Each veteran had the opportunity to speak briefly on the mic. Puyallup Tribal Veterans Representative Michael Sisson, who served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1980, shared his thoughts on the recognition.
“It is great to be recognized as a veteran. Being recognized as a veteran helps recognize all veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who have passed on,” Sisson said.
Sisson fondly reflected on powwows of yesteryear while basking in the positive vibes and feelings of being amongst his people on the land he grew up on.
“The Puyallup’s back in the day, when we were first on the river, used to gather together to help each other and have powwows like this,” Sisson said. “We would dry our meats all together and get ready for the winter. It is great to see that continuing.”
2023 Wellness Sapa winner Jose Landrie, who works in the Marketing Department of the Emerald Queen Casino, performed for the final time in his 60-year dancing career.
“Today, I’m stepping down and retiring the attire,” Landrie said.
Landrie loved seeing the younger generations partaking in the Wellness Powwow.
“I think it’s very important to pass on this tradition to the youth,” he said. “We got to teach our young ones so they will continue with our culture into the future.”
Puyallup Tribe Human Resources Representatives Mary LongKnife and Angelina Dillon were front and center outside the main gymnasium with a booth at the Holiday Bazaar, answering questions from the general public about employment opportunities available with the Tribe.
“I really like coming here. Seeing all of the people and seeing how happy everyone is to be involved in such an awesome event is great,” LongKnife said. “Being able to show people what we’re doing in HR, we’re trying to help people get jobs. It is just really fun.”
Royalty Contest Winners:
Wellness Kiya: Della Morrison (Muckleshoot)
Wellness Queen: Naiyeli Cruz-Garcia (Puyallup)
Wellness Junior Warrior: Aysa Big Lake (Crow)
Wellness Princess: Charline Big Lake (Puyallup)
