SILETZ — The Confederated Tribes of the Siletz is inviting the public to its annual Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow Friday through Sunday, a tradition for the Siletz people and other American Indians.
All events, except the parade, take place at the Pauline Ricks Memorial Pow-Wow Grounds on Government Hill. A variety of foods, Native arts and crafts and jewelry will be available from more than 50 vendors.
“This is an open environment for all to come and witness our American Indian culture through our singers and dancers,” said AJ Warren, the tribe’s cultural education manager and pow-wow coordinator. “And maybe get themselves an Indian taco.”
The celebration begins with the crowning of the 2024-2025 Siletz Royalty at 6 p.m. Friday. Participants dressed in all dance styles will enter the arena at 7 p.m. during the first grand entry, followed by preliminary rounds of dance competition for youth and teens.
A parade winds through downtown Siletz at 10 a.m. Saturday, featuring tribal royalty, drummers, dancers, equestrian groups, vintage cars and floats.
Saturday’s parade is followed by a grand entry at 1 p.m. at the pow-wow grounds. Competition dancing for youth and teens continues in the afternoon with another grand entry at 7 p.m. followed by competition dancing.
A final grand entry takes place at noon Sunday. There will be a team dance, women’s basket cap special and a round bustle special for men. It ends with awards for the golden age, adult, teen and youth dance category winners.
A free shuttle is available from various parking lots in Siletz to the pow-wow grounds. Parking is extremely limited at the grounds so the shuttle is advised.
The tribe reminds people that the event is alcohol- and drug-free. The pow-wow announcer will explain the significance of the events taking place in the dance arena and tell the audience when they can or should not take photos.
