POST FALLS - Ike BlackWolf rode bareback atop his 29-year-old Appaloosa, golden eagle tail feathers distinct against the blue sky. In ceremonial regalia, BlackWolf invoked the warrior spirit of the Native American Indian culture, representing himself, his family and his people in the Julyamsh Powwow.

The powwow is taking place this weekend, at the Greyhound Park and Event Center in Post Falls. The event is a celebration of American Indian heritage, including traditional dances, songs, games and spirituality.

Friday's first event was the Horse Parade, a moving display of honor in recognition of the horse's special place in the American Indian culture. Riders and horses in full regalia stepped onto the arena field while Spokane Tribe member David Brown Eagle's voice came through the sound system.

"The horse has given us so much in our existence," he said, also clad in traditional regalia. He spoke of the horse's historic role in Indian history, as companions and brothers. "They lived with us, fought with us and died with us."

BlackWolf's horse, Dr. Spots, pranced and snorted as the parade progressed.

"It's actually amazing, he still acts like he's 18," BlackWolf said after the ceremony. The white horse with brown spots was a gift from his mom and stepdad. BlackWolf is of the Yakima/Warmsprings tribes, and has been participating in the Julyamsh Powwow since 2004. He wore leggings, moccasins, beaded cuffs made by his grandmother and his mom's golden tail war bonnet. He also clutched a rifle in an old gun scabbard.

"It's a carnival ride, it's a rush, it's controlling the power," he said. He said when he describes the feeling of riding in the Horse Parade to younger guys, "I tell them it's like throwing three-pointers with my eyes closed, and I can't miss."

The Horse Parade was followed by the first Grand Entry, a visually stunning gathering of dancers as they moved to the beat of drums, feathers and bells bouncing as the dancers kept time with their feet.

"Each individual has their flavor, their style, everybody has their own attitude," BlackWolf said.

Shoshana Kee, 15, of the Shoshone and Navajo tribes, wore otter, abalone shell and bright orange and yellow ribbons in her braids. This was her fourth year dancing in Julyamsh.

"It's kind of powerful, because when you dance, it's lively with the drum and everything," she said. She is a traditional dancer, and said the main thing with that style is "staying graceful."

Other ceremonial dance styles were men's grass (dancers wear ribbons or yarn to represent grass), women's traditional, women's fancy/shawl, men's fancy, men's traditional and women's jingle.

Vendors of food and American Indian goods are also present at the powwow, selling jewelry, art and a multitude of other items. The Mike family of the Navajo Tribe sell handmade silver and beaded jewelry, dreamcatchers and arrows. The family has attended Julyamsh for 13 years. Alphonso Mike said his grandfather, a silversmith, taught him how to craft the items with his hands.

"I was brought up doing this, ever since I was a kid, and every one of my family," he said. Now Mike is a silversmith like his grandpa, and continues the family tradition.

"I'm happy about it, what I learned from him now," he said.

The Julyamsh Powwow goes until Sunday afternoon. The Greyhound Park is located at 5100 W. Riverbend Ave. Info: www.julyamsh.com