The 126th Arlee Esyapqeyni Celebration livened up the Arlee Powwow grounds from June 30 to July 5. Campers could set up camp on June 30, when the gates opened, and tipis dotted the sea of tents.

The powwow grounds were a potpourri of drums, singers, stick game players, dancers, hand drummers, families, vendors and visitors. Added to the mix was singing from the stick game pavilion, drumming from the dance pavilion and the good scents of fry bread, onions frying, hamburgers cooking and coffee. Several stands sold fresh lemonade with huckleberry, prickly pear, or other flavors added. 

A person could also buy fine jewelry, beaded items, clothing, beading supplies and many other things. Rainy weather failed to put a damper on the celebration at the beginning of last week, nor did temperatures in the 80s.

Arlee Esyapqeyni Celebration Committee Chair, Ron Matt, said, “By continuing the Arlee Celebration, we honor those who came before us. Their commitment, faith and wisdom have sustained our ways.”

Thursday was cultural and youth day, with a 3-on-3 basketball tourney in the morning, honoring the Ways of the Salish People with the Culture Committee, and learning traditional dances. 

Grand entries began at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on  July 3, 4, and 5. For visitors to the valley, a grand is just that, dancers in regalia entering the dance pavilion while a drum plays. Stephen Small Salmon, War Dance Chief, led the grand entry.  The colors were posted by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Warrior Society, and each day, Yamncut, the honorary local drum, played a flag song.

Head Lady Dancer was Leah Mestheth and Head Man Dancer was Allen “Bear” Pierre. 

Powwow announcer Alan Eagletail, a member of the Northern Dene Tsuut’ina Nation, kept the powwow going, with Howie Thompson, the master of ceremonies, pitching in. Myrna Adams Dumontier and Clark Michael Matt were honored on Thursday, June 2, during the afternoon. 

Royalty judging also began for the 2026-27 royalty. Current powwow royalty was Tiny Tot Princess Kenna Baylor, who sponsored a special danceability for those with special needs. Miss Salish Pend d’Oreille Taylana Enfield, who hosted an old-style or contemporary women’s fancy special; and Junior Miss Salish Pend d’Oreille Tawny Faith Kicking Woman, who had a special short-fringe traditional and giveaway for young ladies.

The girls held their titles throughout the year, and new royalty will represent the Arlee Powwow for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 until next year’s powwow.

Many of the dancers, singers and drummers competed in special contests. The singing contest will award $25,000 and jackets to the first-place winner. Prizes will be awarded for fourth place. A hand drum contest offered a $1,000 prize for first place.

Thompson’s advice to all was “dance and sing — the gift of the Creator,” so it’s hoped everyone followed his advice, since it’s the Arlee Esyapqeyni Celebration.

Contest drums for the Arlee Celebration were:

Meskwaki Nation

Bull Horn

Red Hawk Express

Bad Canyon

Wild Rose

Buffalo Trails

Southern Cree

Black Otter

Weasel Tail

Black Lodge

Dancing Eagle

    Young dancers at the Arlee Powwow line up to head into the dance floor. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)  A dancer's bustle complements a nearby young dancer's regalia as they wait to enter the arena. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)