Harvest celebration will highlight Native American culture

The Red River Pow Wow Association will host its first annual "Harvest Celebration," a Native American cultural event, on Saturday, Sept. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at Three Island Crossing State Park in Glenns Ferry.

Cost for the event will be $6 per car at the Three Island Crossing State Park entrance.

"This event is a special opportunity for the community to interact with the Red River Pow Wow Association members and UNITY Dancers, and learn more about our native cultures through song, dance, drum, and friendship," said Lori Liebenau, Red River Board Member and Event Coordinator for the "Harvest Celebration."

The "Harvest Celebration" will feature Red River's own speakers, singers, drummers, and dancers from tribes including the Paiute, Shoshone, Bannock, Nez Perce, Apache, Coeur d'Alene, Lakota, Tulalip, Ute, Chippewa, Yuchi, and Oneida.

There will also be dancing by UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, Native American artisans and vendors, as well as traditional foods of the season.

A raffle and silent auction will help to raise funds for Red River's Second Annual Winter Pow Wow to be held on Dec. 11 at Caldwell High School.

Wayne Sengenberger, historian and secretary for Red River Pow Wow Association said that "gained from experience and from the vast oral histories of traditional tribal people, the Red River Pow Wow Association shares their knowledge, understanding, and cultural perspectives through dance, drum, and song."

"They like to explain their tribal differences, as they promote America's oldest family celebration, the Native American Pow Wow, where all people are welcome. This is in keeping with traditional Native American culture, which honors family life, nature, and is predicated on a high level of spirituality."

For more inforrnation contact Lori Uebenau at (208) 585-6005 or Ron Sam at (208) 455-7584 or visit www.redriverpowwow.org.