Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Headlines

Often filled with the scent of competition, swishing jerseys, and the off-beat pounding of rubber hitting the floor, the gym in the new P.E. building was the setting for an entirely different experience on Feb. 2 with the 15th annual Pow-Wow sponsored by the Multicultural Student Union. Starting at twelve in the afternoon and dispersing at midnight, it was a day filled with dancing competitions, drum beats elaborate dance wear and a smidgen of fried bread on the side.

Traveling from Palm Springs, Ore., Lee Sorlhorse--bedecked with feathers, face paint, and splendorous dancing regalia--spoke of his feelings about dancing and its role in educating the youth about customs and practices of the Native American tribes. Sorlhorse believes that Native American youth living on reservations need positive role models that appreciate the culture and can help them understand the truths about alcohol and addiction. He sees to it that his own role as a dancer speaks to the need of beneficial influences and the reinforcing of culture. Dancing for five years now, he comes from a family of dancers. Often his own children accompany him and compete in various Pow-Wows throughout the state.

Around the edge of the gym, out of the way of the dancers, were several tables with a cornucopia of handmade items. At one such table was Dixie Schaafsma of Dexter, Ore. "Dixie's Delights" offered a wide array of beaded earrings, necklaces, candles, abalone shell dream catchers and many other beautifully crafted objects. Schaafsma began beading thirty years ago and continues it as a hobby while her husband works night shifts. Her strategy for her craft? "Try something new, and don't worry if it doesn't work!"

At the start of the second half of the Pow-Wow a song was played: the Victory Charging song, dedicated to all veterans as well as men and women who are currently fighting for this country. This was not only for Native American soldiers, but for American troops of all backgrounds. At the song's completion, the audience was invited to come and shake the hands of the veterans and thank the men and women there for their sacrifice. As the bleachers quickly emptied a thick line of people formed, hushed in respect.

The overall feeling of the night seemed to emote community, family and respect for one another and the culture that tied them all together. This was echoed by veteran Bill Stam. He spoke of how the Native American culture is "like one big family." As with Lee Sorlhorse he also feels that youth need a renewed interest for the traditional ways. Stam served in both the Korean and the Vietnam wars. Feeling very strongly about keeping his culture alive he has been dancing for 20 years.

Beadwork, creating dance garb, playing the flute and fashioning arrowheads are a smattering of the traditions Stam is afraid may pass with the older generations. He and his wife practice many of the original herbal remedies and teach the younger generations the important traditions that have been passed to them. Recently Stam's time has been occupied by finishing a replica of an 1870s war shield.

Educating the youth of their tribes and renewing the passion for traditions of the past took the spotlight in this event. Through dance, music, crafts and community, the families and friends in attendance sparked a passion for Native American culture that night, and within the activites in their lives and with the lives of others.•

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