2016 Eastern Shoshone Arapaho Powwow

Posted on January 28, 2017 by dwightlutsey

click on the images to see larger view

Back in June of last year (2016) I had the great pleasure to attend the Eastern Shoshone /Arapaho powwow on the Wind River reservation. This was a great event with wonderful people in a marvelous setting. It is held outdoors which always makes it better and the weather was cooperating with blue skies and no wind. Above is the Grand Entry with the color guard.

Everyone in their finest followed.

Dancers enthralled the spectators.

Their was color and action every where you looked.

Individual dancers took part.

Incredible detail and workmanship went into gorgeous displays of accessories and regalia.

As the sun was setting the participants gathered around the center pole in celebration

Elders sat reflecting in the late afternoon sun.

Later dancing took place as the participants made their way around the circle

It was a special time for everyone involved.

The dancers traveled sunwise around the circle.

Women in extraordinary dress made the circle several times.

Performing the steps as they’re meant to be done.

Fancy dancers giving it their all in front of one of the judges.

Color and form as well as commitment are most important during the fancy dance competition.

As always the best drummers and singers were performing for the dancers.

A beautiful example of form and skill.

Women in their finest competing in one of the categories. Each one a winner.

Men had their competitions and everyone put everything they had into them.

Incredible regalia was always on display.

Dancing went on far into the night.

Until finally the evening’s events came to a close.

This is a powwow you do not want to miss. There will be more to come from this powwow in the near future, so stop back and check it out.

Faces of Ft. Bridger Rendezvous

Posted on October 7, 2016 by dwightlutsey

ren·dez·vous

ˈrändəˌvo͞o,ˈrändāˌvo͞o/

noun

a meeting at an agreed time and place, typically between two people.

verb 1.

to meet at an agreed time and place. Let’s rendezvous

click on each image to see it larger

When the mountain men were working the Rockies during the early 1800’s they would trap all winter and when Spring came they would meet or rendezvous with all of their fellow trappers at a prearranged place and celebrate getting through another year, having mostly kept their hair. This meant carousing, and drinking, and having competitions, raising hell and finally selling their bales of hides and resupplying for the next year.

If you were a trapper and mountain man you didn’t miss rendezvous and the biggest and the best was the one at Ft. Bridger. Well it’s about 185 years later and the rendezvous is still going strong and held at the original site where Ft. Bridger stood. The image above shows some of the buildings from the old fort. The rainbow was to let everyone know that this was going to be the granddaddy of all rendezvous. So hang on it’s going to be a wild ride.

Even if you had the patience to sit through all the pictures taken at this years rendezvous (there were thousands) there wouldn’t be room to display them all so I’m going to show some of the highlights and the faces that made up this years rendezvous. There’ll be a minimum of text about each one to let you see the fun and excitement in all it’s glory.

As you enter there is always a friendly face to greet you

There were kids playing

Old Time skills being passed along

People standing in line to get food

and catching up on the latest gossip.

The soldiers from the fort were there as were mountain men in all their splendor

And those who had seen it all before

There were grumpy ones who were really friendly ones in disguise

Happy ones enjoying everything to its fullest

Serious ones that looked you right in the eye

Drovers and bull whackers

Those who showed off their own handiwork

Leaders and guides

Mountain men who lived with the Indians

There were many types of head-gear. And then there were the ladies

Sitting in their wide skirts talking about whatever ladies in wide skirts talk about

Some ladies sold bonnets

There were pretty ones with gorgeous smiles

and some who wore big hats and lacy bodices

And those who wore bloomers just because it was fun

Some wore bustles

There were Indian women in their very finest, wearing ermine and beads

Some wearing the Pony Soldier’s uniforms brought home to them as spoils of war

There were law ponies just in case someone needed rounding up

The camp was laid out in a neat and orderly fashion under some threatening clouds

There’s always a flag flying, usually many of them

Waiting for dinner

It’s chicken. Dutch oven chicken. You could smell it a mile away. That’s how I found it, following my nose. Each piece worth a five dollar gold piece.

How to keep ashes out of your nose. Use this long tube to blow on the embers and get them going again.

As the day wore down the kids kept cool catching crawfish in the creek

Towards evening they broke out the fiddles and guitars and the dance started

Later there were sing-along’s around the campfire

Then as the sun set and the moon rose there was quiet throughout the camp. Tomorrow’s another day

10-06-16ftbridger3637

But very importantly there is Mike Larson who quietly and tirelessly worked behind the scenes to make all this happen. Good job, Mike.

2016 NCIPA Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association

Posted on May 21, 2016 by dwightlutsey

2016 NCIPA Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow

2016-05-20NCIPA7074-1

On April 16th and 17th this year the 24th annual Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow was held in Ft. Collins, Colorado. The weather was cold and rainy but inside the Northside Aztlan Community Center it was as warm as the smiles of the various attendees. Participants from all over were here to dance, drum, sing and celebrate their culture.

2016-05-20NCIPA-6131-2

As always the color guard opened the ceremonies with all the flags displayed. It is an honor to be chosen to be a member of the color guard and the veterans who participate have all served their country in different branches of the armed services.

2016-05-20NCIPA-1144-3

There are dances by the men.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0559-4

Fancy dancers with their fantastic regalia perform in a hypnotizing swirl of color and motion.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0747-5

Women dancers have their own dances and their regalia and performance is spectacular.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0868-6

There is every type of regalia from the most highly decorated to very simple traditional and it is all on display.

2016-05-20NCIPA-1053-7

The powwow couldn’t be held without the drummers who play and sing the traditional songs for the different dances.

2016-05-20NCIPA-7073-8

Fancy dancers are show stoppers with their incredible regalia and whirling, leaping, contestants. .

2016-05-20NCIPA-0888-9

There are times when the members take a celebratory turn around the circle and everyone joins in.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0660-10

Always there is color. The various accessories combine colors in ways that are fascinating.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0687-11

And always there are gifts. Here apples have been placed where the youngest of the participants can race out to gather them. Lots of fun for them and lots of fun for those who watch from the sidelines.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0866-12

The youngest are also watching. Much can be learned by simply observing. This is how knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. By seeing, hearing, participating, talking to their elders, listening to their stories and always with receiving much love and attention.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0653-13

There are also big observers. But they learn too.

2016-05-20NCIPA-1121-14

The bead and quill work on the various pieces is incredible. This is all hand done and the numbers of hours and effort that goes into them is beyond counting.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0210-15

Sharing the experience makes lasting memories for both young and old.

2016-05-20NCIPA-6998-16

Youngsters waiting for their time to dance. These are great kids and they truly seem to be enjoying their part in all the proceedings. There is a lot of pride here.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0669-17

More color and detail shows how some of the regalia is constructed.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0189-18

Many of the participants look as if they stepped out of an Edward Curtis photograph or perhaps a George Catlin painting.

2016-05-20NCIPA-1077-19

Styles of dress varied. There were as many different looks as there was participants.

2016-05-20NCIPA-1149-20

Dancing gives life to the clothing, the accessories carried, and to the participants themselves.

2016-05-20NCIPA-1183-21

The surroundings of the dance began to fade away as you listened to the drums and watched the dances performed. The fact that you were in a gymnasium was lost as you watched dances that could have been performed a hundred years ago.

2016-05-20NCIPA-0148-23

There was fun and excitement all around but underneath the activity it was always a serious spiritual event. This was not play, this was an expression of the participants culture and beliefs and was always a time of reflection.

2016-05-20NCIPA-7037-24

This young woman seemed to epitomize the effect these gatherings have on the people who attend them. Pride, attentiveness, beauty, strength of character, awareness of their culture, all folded into this gathering. Feeling the tradition that extends as far back into time as you can see, to right now in the chaos of the present, is reflected in her gaze.

2016-05-20NCIPA-1203-25

Nearly at the close of the event there was a couples dance. From the married couples down to the teenagers who have been flirting on the sidelines throughout the powwow, they parade around the ever-present circle that determines all they do in life. It shows how this is one large family. A family the reaffirms its bond to the tribe and their culture and to the world at large. That’s what a powwow is about.

In the future I will periodically post more images from this powwow so stay tuned for more. If you type, Crow, Blackfeet, Indian or the name of a gathering you will be able to visit pages from other powwows that have been posted here. There are literally hundreds of images from the many powwows, gatherings and Indian rodeos I have attended. Feel free to browse to your heart’s content. And if you feel so inclined forward this post to interested friends. Thanks

Crow Fair Revisited Part 2

Posted on December 7, 2015 by dwightlutsey

This weekend we are revisiting the 2014 Crow Fair. This is part 2. These are images that have not been posted before. As we have done in the past we are posting them with the minimum of conversation about them so that you can enjoy the memories they bring back.

Early morning sun is warming the lodges.

Returning from the river after watering the herd

Opening ceremonies

Families joining in the circles.

Many happy faces

Recognizing Royalty

Recognizing Royalty ,especially the youngest ones.

Men’s dancers

Dancing into the sunset

Men’s regalia

Dancing around the circle

Women presenting the colors at the start of the parade

Incredible regalia display

Different styles of dress were part of the parade

Crow woman with beautiful bead work

Crow mother and son riding in the parade

Young man in full headdress

Teen boy in full headdress.

Crow woman with bow and quiver

Young girl with elk tooth dress

Always watchful, there is so much to learn

Scene from the past

Closing ceremonies

Kids saying goodbye,

Watch for further posts from both the Crow Fair and the NAID Blackfeet gathering in the weeks to come.

Crow Fair Revisited

Posted on December 5, 2015 by dwightlutsey

This weekend we are revisiting the 2014 Crow Fair. These are images that have not been posted before. As we have done in the past we are posting them with the minimum of conversation about them so that you can enjoy the memories they bring back.

Early morning in the camp.

Entering the circle

Introducing the young to the ways

Jingle dancer in perfect form

Adjustments made

A princess being recognized

Another princess proudly receiving her welcome

A soon to be princess watching closely

Elders entering the circle

Regalia on display

A study in concentration

Close watch

Parade arriving

Showing her the ropes

Royalty on a grey horse

Confident and proud

Displaying the fan

Million dollar smile

Complete focus

Displaying his wealth

Controlling the high spirits

Gorgeous Elk tooth shirts

After the parade

Closing ceremonies

Tomorrow will be another set of images from the 2014 Crow Fair. Stop by.

Crow Fair 2015 Closing Ceremony

Posted on September 6, 2015 by dwightlutsey

We’ve come to the end of the Crow Fair for 2015. This is the day that the closing ceremony is held and that concludes the Fair. The ceremony takes place throughout the camp. The four points of the compass have been marked and as the people gather at the first one the drums commence. The participants dance around the circle, and then they move on to the next point until all points have been visited and the final dance is done.

One of the participants told me that this is their most important get together. It is their biggest holiday. It’s like their New Year’s Day and the ceremony performed art the end of the get together covers several aspects of their life. It is a time of thanksgiving for the good things that happened last year, it is a blessing on the people and their land, and it is a time to ask for a good year ahead. It is a religious and spiritual holiday as much as a secular and celebratory one.

The ceremony consists of the participants dancing around the drummers while songs are sung, They dance in a circle then leave that starting point to complete the same activities at each of the four points. When they’re finished they have danced in the circle four times and have completed the bigger circle of celebrating at each point. Another circle has been completed.

Thesis the first point of the ceremony and the drummers have started. A small crowd of participants have gathered to commence dancing.

Those that been chosen to lead the dancers during the ceremony are the first to enter the circle. Soon others will join into the line and dance.

The men started the dance and the women soon join them

They dance around the drummers with more people joining

When the correct number of revolutions around the drummers have been taken and the ceremonial procedures completed they start out for the next point on the circuit.

By now many more dancers have joined the line and follow on to the next point

The drummers are the last to leave and bring up the rear of the line playing as they walk.

The leaders are nearing the second point as they walk by teepees and a horse

The leaders are continually dancing as they head into the second area

They begin to dance the circle with everyone following

The dancers wave as a greeting that can mean hello or good by

The circle is fully formed and the dancers wait as ceremonial issues are completed

There is a final dance around the circle

Participants are deeply moved during the ceremonies

They leave the second point to journey to the third

By now there are a huge number of participants as more and more join the journey. The weather has been threatening since the start of the ceremony and it is approaching the dancers with high winds and the threat of rain. A few sprinkles have started and the temperature has dropped significantly.

At the third point the rain is closing in from the right, just over the crest of the low hill. The dancers continue and the circle is becoming very large as all the dancers fill up the circle. The wind is becoming much stronger and there is a sense of heightened drama as if the weather feels the need to join with the ceremony.

The rain broke and as the celebrants journeyed to the fourth and final point, umbrellas came out for those that had them and others continued on disregarding the rain

The ritual greeting is offered

The drummers following never missed a beat, the sounds of the drum holding everybody together.

At the final point of the ceremony the drummers set up, the pipe has been lit and passed among them as it has been at every stop of the ceremony, the circle has formed and the rain is ignored as it falls harder.

The participants stand quietly in the downpour listening and watching the final moments of the ceremony. This only happens once a year and it is happening now. Everything is very real in what could be a surreal experience. The ceremony, the rain, the feeling of connection with the earth and each other is a feeling felt by everyone participating, dancers and viewers alike. This is one of those experiences that has been etched on my soul. The Crow and others tribes have retained something important that I believe we have lost. A sense of community and family that transcends weather and adversity and even time to create a bond that is reinforced by these gatherings. When they leave this ceremony and go their separate ways they are not apart, they are not alone, they have their tribe, their culture, their heritage and each other. They have a real feeling of belonging. Something that is disappearing in our culture. I envy them.

With the final ceremony completed and the rain letting up a little everyone dances a final circuit of the circle then it’s over. The 2015 Crow Fair is done for this year.

After the closing ceremonies are over those members of the tribe that live some distance away begin the task of taking down their lodges, tearing down the rest of the camp and heading home. it is a bittersweet moment to see the bare lodge poles sticking up. But as they say, There’s always next year.

Crow Fair 2015 Parade

Posted on August 29, 2015 by dwightlutsey

The main parade at the Crow Fair is one event everybody looks forward to. It ‘s a chance to see the Fair participants in full regalia riding their horses or on a float presenting their best efforts for the fair judges and the parade viewers as well. It’s a fun event for everybody. The participants get to wave to fiends and family in the crowd. The viewers get to see an amazing sight and everybody’s happy. This has got to be a favorite time for everyone.

As in every event they hold the colors are presented.

Usually the parade has categories but occasionally things get changed u a little and you get a different look. Today there were a lot of individuals parading in and out of category groups.

There’s always Royalty in a parade and there is a lot of royalty at the Crow Fair.

An experienced rider in the men’s War Bonnet category.

Some times the parade is so good you just have to smile

Lodge poles, a good horse, a hat to keep the sun off your face and it’s a great parade

An elder responding to friend in the crowd. Everyone is good-natured and has fun calling back and forth.

A segment of the Reservation Hat category passes in review.

The Crow are very partial to their horses and any cane to show off good stock is taken advantage of.

Young women get a chance to show off their finery.

CrowFair 2015 Parade8200

A young warrior rides a painted horse. The symbols and colors are all important.

A young woman wearing an Elk Tooth dress shades her eyes with her fan. It was 107° the day this parade was held.

And the sun was bright and hot but that didn’t keep the parade from going on.

All ages participate

Eve down to the youngest. If they can hang on they can be in the parade

That counts for the horses too.

These young braves are on their way to being fierce warriors, they just need a little more time.

Letting out a huge cry and catching up is all part of the parade

The real stars of the parade are the elders, both men and women. Within them lies the knowledge and experience that needs to be passed down to the younger members of the tribe. They are the reservoirs of heritage and pride and it shows on each and every face.

As the parade winds down ad passes by there is a final wave and it’s over for the day. A parade like this is a monumental task to put on. In the next post we’ll visit the staging area where all the magic happens. Stay tuned.

Crow Fair 2015 Men’s Dancing

Posted on August 23, 2015 by dwightlutsey

Dancing is a central part of the Crow Fair and the men’s competition is very important to them. It is a chance to show off their regalia and their best footwork and perhaps most importantly demonstrate their history and culture. Dancing is extremely serious business and not taken lightly. It is a chance to show off who they are and what their beliefs mean to them.

There are many different dance categories and they are broken down by age groups. This post is not about explaining what each category is but it is more a presentation of the colors, textures, style, symbols and meanings important to each dancer and the tribe in general. Ceremony and the spiritual connection with their past can be seen in every step they take. This is not a show, this is their life.

Elder dancers display more traditional styles.

Younger dancers display more exotic styles

Some are very traditional

The younger boys have each chosen the style they want to perform

A group of fancy dancers display the incredible variety of colors for their dance category

Postures are an important part of each dance style

So is intensity

Decorations and symbols adorn each dancers regalia and the items they carry.

Focus, making sure each step is performed in the proper manner requires maximum concentration.

Feathers and perfect beadwork complete the look required

The emotion of each presentation can be seen in every movement.

Two different styles performing the same dance

Every accessory is perfect from head to toe

Lost in the dance one can see the powerful historical connection for the dancers

And the incredible feelings displayed as the dance continues

Many clothing styles are a study in contrast

While there is simply wild abandonment in the fancy dancers regalia

This style of dancing requires maximum effort on the part of the dancers

And it shows as the dance ends.

The dancing goes on nearly continuously throughout the fair and the stamina of the participants is remarkable. Many times the dances last deep into the night and the sounds of the drums and the singers can be heard throughout the camp. It is a constant whirlwind of activity and excitement. The next post will bring you the women’s dancing. Stay tuned.

Crow Fair 2015

Posted on August 20, 2015 by dwightlutsey

Crow Fair is here again. This is the 97th year that it has taken place on the banks of the Little Big Horn river. It is billed as the Teepee capital of the world and it lived up to its name again as there were over 1200 lodges set up. That would be one thousand two hundred teepees. That is a lot of teepees. The camp is located between Custer’s Last Stand, or the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument as it’s officially known, and extends along the river to the edge of the town of Crow Agency in Montana. That’s a distance of a little under three miles and maybe ¾ of a mile deep.

The official starting date for all the ceremonies and festivities was August 12th and lasted until August 17th, but as you can imagine an endeavor this large didn’t happen overnight. For a couple of weeks in some cases, the participants began moving in and setting up their lodges, creating a camp that hasn’t been seen on this scale since probably 1876. All of the teepees have been set up according to family groups and were usually grouped in a circle if possible with an arbor made of poles set in the ground to form a rectangle in the middle. This framework was then covered with fresh-cut branches with their leaves still green to cover the framework and provide shade. As you walked through the camp you could see family groups sitting at the tables having a meal or simply talking to while away the hours between activities.

They also brought their horses and they were kept in pens set up near the lodges where they could be fed and cared for. In the morning and evening the kids were given the task of seeing that the horses were watered. This meant riding them bareback, usually while leading another, down to drink out of the Little Bighorn river. The only difference between now and a hundred years ago were the clothes the kids wore. Lots of jeans and t-shirts and tennis shoes. Lots of smartphones too. It was not unusual to see a youngster riding a horse down to the river texting on the way. Many of the horses seemed to find relief in the cool water and would venture out midway into the river to stand for as long as they were allowed to. Some of the kids were not averse to jumping in the water either as there were several days when the temperature was over 100°.

Over the next few days we’ll be bringing you highlights from the Crow Fair and Rodeo. There was singing and drumming and non-stop dancing. People dressed in regalia that many made themselves. There was ceremony and traditions paid homage to, and most of all a gathering of the Crow people to celebrate their lives and history. Stay tuned.

Blackfeet North American Indian Days – Women’s Dancing

Posted on July 20, 2015 by dwightlutsey

The North American Indian Days is an annual event held on the Blackfeet Indian reservation usually in July and is billed as one of the biggest tribal get-togethers in North America. They say North American instead of the Unites States because some of the participants are from tribes that live in Canada. It lasts for about a week, four days according to the advertisements, but everybody’s there early and leaves late so plan on at least five or six days if you want the full experience.

Yesterday we brought you images from the Men’s Dancing contests. Today we showcase the Women’s Dancing categories. Women’s dances are different from the men as they tend to dance in a more sedate fashion showing their dancing skills in a gentler more refined way, unlike the leaping, fierce posturing of the men. The women are gentler, not less strong, just gentler. The women’s dances are performed to show their grace and beauty, and they are beautiful as you shall see as the you view the following images.

At the beginning of each of the dancing contests the individuals who will be participating enter the arena as a group. First all the men’s categories, then all the women’s categories until all the participants are in the arena together.

Each of the members of the different categories enter together.

These are members of the Jingle dancers category

Named for the small bells of rolled metal attached to their skirts that strike one another during the dance causing a jingle-like sound.

The regalia worn varies from beautifully created traditional leather

To the equally beautiful bell covered dress of this Jingle dancer

Another style is the fringe on a more traditional dress

This young woman wars a traditional dress with a fancy shawl as she dances

Shawls and fancy capes are used frequently, the embroidery and design absolutely gorgeous

Some dancers swirl and turn as they dance causing the fringe on their shawls to form beautiful patterns

Others dance in a quieter manner as this young woman shows off her incredible dress and precise dance steps.

The demanding dance steps require focus and concentration while still presenting an image of beauty and charm.

Dancing sedately does not mean a lack of action as this woman shows in presentation

Form and attention to the meaning of the dance adds to the grace of the dancers

Sometimes the dancers get so involved in their performances it seems as if they are the only ones in the arena

Color combinations, the dancers poise, and the dance meld into perfect harmony

Another traditional style, notice the pair of baby’s shoes hanging from her waist.

This dress is covered with elk ivories which are the teeth of an elk that can be polished just like ivory and are highly sought after. The knife worn at her waist has a handle made from the antler of an elk. Every part of the animal was used, nothing was wasted.

As the days activities wore on the women were still dancing. They seemed tireless.

Determination written all over her face this dancer gives it her all.

All the women participate in the dancing each with their own special grace

During the final moments of the days dancing, everyone is in the arena dancing for the sheer joy of it.

Although the dances are segregated with men and women performing separately, first the men’s categories, then the women’s, there are several times during the competition, usually at the end where everyone, men and women alike, enter the arena and dance around the circle together. You are likely to see couples making their way around the circle, older folks who have obviously been together for years, and younger couples sometimes with some quiet flirting occurring, sometimes even entire families, the kids holding hands while walking next to mom or dad. Often times mothers holding young ones too small to walk make their way around the circle. Dancing starts early in their lives.

As you observed the women dancing you could see the fierce pride they take in participating in this event. Displaying their heritage and the self-respect in being a part of this large gathering of their peers, they project an aura of sophistication and beauty not often seen elsewhere. They are a huge part of this gathering and competition and rightfully so.

Open Chutes

Western Event Photography

Tag Archives: regalia