Restoration nation
Smaller in scale but larger in significance than the summer gathering in Siletz, the annual Restoration Pow-Wow, held at Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, celebrates the Siletz Tribe’s return to federally recognized status.
This Saturday, Nov. 19, the event returns to celebrate its 45th year.
“This is a social pow-wow, which means no competition and lots of opportunity for all dancers to be in the dance arena,” said Diane Rodriquez, public information officer. “The best time to see the most dancers all at once is during the Grand Entry.”
Grand Entry begins at 6 pm, with dancers of all ages making their way into the ballroom.
“Usually throughout the evening, the emcee will call dancers of a specific dance style to the dance arena,” Rodriquez said. “For example, the jingle dress dancers, women and girls, for two to three songs, then a little later the grass dancers, men and boys, for two to three songs. He'll explain the origins/traditions of each dance style, giving the audience a chance to learn about the significance of the regalia.”
All dancers and drummers are welcome. Vendors with Native American made items including jewelry and beadwork will be selling their wares.
“The vendors will be there throughout the pow-wow,” Rodriquez said. “Usually Chinook Winds also provides a few food options for sale.”
The Siletz Indians were terminated as a federally recognized tribe in 1954. After years of intense lobbying the tribe was reinstated in 1977, a critical step in granting them sovereignty and moving them toward preserving and revitalizing their culture.
They were second in the nation and first in Oregon to achieve this designation.
“Sovereignty allows us to negotiate with the federal government on our own behalf, which is really important,” said Gloria Ingle, enrolled member of the Siletz Tribe. “We are one of 552 federally recognized tribes. Dolores Pigsley is the longest serving chairman of all the recognized tribes.”
Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City opened in May 1995. In 2004, the Siletz Tribe purchased the former Shilo Inn adjacent to the casino and opened Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Chinook Winds Golf Resort opened in 2005 when the tribe purchased the former Lakeside Golf and Fitness Center in Lincoln City.
The Siletz Tribe has honored its tradition of sharing within the community by distributing more than $20.7 million through the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and other tribal resources. Chinook Winds has donated more than $6.5 million in cash and fundraising items since 1995. It also provides in-kind donations of convention space for various fundraisers as well as technical support, advertising and manpower for events.
After generations of abuse brought about by settlers that forcibly took their land and resources, the tribe has taken what resources were left to them and invested into their continued welfare with health centers, housing and education.
“Our history has a lot of misery,” Ingle said, “but we are strong.”
Chinook Winds Casino Resort is located at 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City. For more information, go to ctsi.nsn.us.