By Oregon Coast TODAY
The public is invited to take part in a celebration this weekend of Indigenous culture at the annual Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow, hosted by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The event is Friday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 10.
Most of the pow-wow will be held in Siletz at the Pauline Ricks Memorial Pow-Wow Grounds on Government Hill, with the exception of the parade on Saturday morning that follows Highway 229 through the center of town.
“This is an open environment for all to come and witness our culture through our singers and dancers,” said AJ Warren, cultural education manager and pow-wow coordinator. “And maybe get themselves an Indian taco.”
The celebration begins on Friday evening with the crowning of the 2025-2026 Siletz Royalty, followed by the first Grand Entry, where dancers in full regalia fill the arena. The preliminary round of youth and teen dance competitions will follow.
On Saturday, the streets of downtown Siletz come alive at 10 a.m. with the parade, featuring tribal royalty and council, drummers, dancers, tribal services, vintage cars and creative floats, most of which have riders sending kids scrambling by tossing candy, toys and more.
After the parade, crowds head up to the pow-wow grounds for the first Grand Entry of the day. Competition dancing for youth and teens continues in the afternoon and the day ends with the Golden Age and adult categories and the finals for kids and teens.
The celebration concludes Sunday with a noon Grand Entry and special dances such as the Team Dance, Owl Dance, the Women’s Basket Cap Special and the Round Bustle Special for men.
A variety of delicious foods and native arts, crafts and jewelry will be offered for sale by more than 50 vendors on the pow-wow grounds on Saturday and Sunday.
“Come and see the variety of vendors at our annual summer pow-wow,” said Buddy Lane, cultural resources manager. “Many facets of Indigenous America are represented both in craft and food. There’s something for everyone here.”
A free shuttle service will run from designated parking lots in Siletz to the pow-wow grounds. Due to limited parking on-site, guests are encouraged to use the shuttle. Look for posted signs around town.
This is an alcohol- and drug-free event and guests are asked to respect cultural protocols, including photograph and recording guidelines announced during the event. The announcer will also share insights into the significance of each dance and ceremony.
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