SKC Powwow a family affair

PABLO — Dressed in colorful, traditional regalia, Francheska Whitworth and her twin sister, Sunniva, danced and spun Saturday, as drums pounded out a methodical and steady rhythm.

Francheska and Sunniva, both 11, and of Charlo, were two of approximately 90 children who participated in the 2^nd annual SKC Powwow Celebration at the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center on the SKC campus in Pablo.

This weekend’s event was hosted by the SKC’s club Spirit of the Bison.

“They both love it,” said their mother, Dacia Whitworth, as she put the finishing touches to Francheska's face. “Francheska and Sunniva started participating in Powwows even before they could walk,” said Whitworth. Now, both compete in the “Fancy Shawl” division.

“We like dressing up, and we really love to dance,” said Francheska.

Like Francheska, Thomas Addison of St. Ignatius, has also been around Powwows for the better part of his life. “I used to dance when I was pregnant with him,” said his mother Mary Ann Addison. “So, he's always been around them.”

Thomas started dancing in Powwows when he was three. Now, at age 6, he dances in one every chance he gets. “He really loves it,” his mother said.

By the time, children reach age six, they can start competing in the Junior Division. Children younger than 6, participate in Tiny Tots.

“My goal is to reach out to the children,” said ShiNaasha Pete, President of the Spirit of the Bison Club. “I danced in Powwows when I was young too, and I always remember feeling very safe when I was at one.”

Pete describes them as very “family-friendly” events. Even the dress or “regalia” children wear is often passed down from generations.

“The golden medallion that Frankie wears belonged to her grandfather,” said Whitworth. “And the feather that Sunny wears is one that I wore when I danced. By the time they are older, just about everything they wear will have once belonged to a member of the family.”