KOOTENAI COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, Idaho – After a two-year hiatus the region’s largest outdoor powwow will be back in the Inland Northwest this weekend.
Julyamsh is making a comeback after gaming conflicts forced the tribal gathering to find a new venue. The event is put on by the Coeur d’Alene Casino and will be held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds from Friday until Monday, July 24.
Julyamsh, or powwows, are a Native American tradition. They are celebrations usually accompanied with dance competitions, surrounded by traditions and beliefs sacred to Native Americans.
The event had a 17-year run at the Greyhound Park Event Center, but the relationship between the center and the casino was severed due to gaming conflicts over “instant betting” machines.
Participants have moved past that and are looking forward to this year’s event. After finding a new location at the Fairgrounds, participants said the space is even more fitting for the powwow. They said when they found out the Fairgrounds was available; it was a sign.
Many Native Americans in the CDA tribe see it as a sort of homecoming for their people.
“We moved here and this place actually serves a better purpose,” said Quanah Matheson, the MC of Julyamsh. “This is our capitol. This is the CDA tribe’s capitol. This town of CDA sits on our capitol, and to be back to home to dance and sing and pray on our lands is awesome.”
Tons of vendors are expected, with 800-plus dancers and at least 60 drum groups. The event is open to everyone and admission is free.
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