Head Start powwow dancers celebrate
Alazae Martinex, 2, catches some air as she dances at the Head Start Pow-wow. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
Averyana Beavers, 5, right, meets her friend Azelyn Swimmer, 8, at the pow-wow.
This pow-wow goer is interested in the feather he's holding.
A young dancer with a beaded hat brim enjoys the pow-wow.
Nyjah Butterfly, 3, dances at the Head Start Pow-wow with beaded butterflies in her hair.
Everybody wore their regalia at the Head Start Powwow, including this youngster who had beaded barrettes. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
It’s been three years since Head Start hosted a powwow, according to Jeanne Christopher, head of Early Childhood Services for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, as she officially opened the pow wow on April 28.
The children who attend the 10 Head Start classrooms around the Flathead Reservation were ready to celebrate. The Ronan Event Center’s gym was jumping as many tiny moccasined feet danced, twirled, and raced around the gym. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, siblings and other family members joined in the fun.
Drums who played at the pow wow were: Charlie and the Chipmunks, Chief Cliff, Dancing Boy, Defenders, Eagle Pass, Sunrise, and Yamncut.
Dancing around the large gym makes kids thirsty and hungry, and all the Head Start classroom teachers and staff packed snack bags, which were a big hit with the kids. The powwow staff also served frybread, chili, and fruit for dinner.
