Legends Casino Pow Wow 2019
Thanks to all who made the 24th Annual Coushatta Powwow a success! We enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new friends.
About the Powwow
With the current rise in COVID-19 cases, Spirit Mountain Casino is implementing the temporary safety measure of making the entire casino facility non-smoking effective 11/17/20. This includes 20 feet from all entrances, lodge, casino, lobbies, etc. This measure will stay in place until further notice. Thank you for your understanding and patience. On August 27, 2019, the Yakama Nation submitted an application for second round funds under the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries dated November 30, 2018. A copy of that application can be found below. For more information, contact Noelle Saluskin at (509)865-5121 Ext. 6075 View More. Join us for the 38th annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow, a cultural celebration and competitive dance competition, on June 15 and 16, 2019. The Yakima Valley hosts a wide range of events and activities for residents and visitors alike. Whether you are planning a visit to see one of the many Yakima events, or looking for activities while you're here, the following Calendar of Events will provide you with all the information you need. San Manuel Pow Wow. 1,645 likes 1 talking about this. Come and join us for another year of Pow Wow. Enjoy the food, vendors, and beautiful dancers. October 9-11 Friday: 5pm - Midnight Grand.
The Coushatta Powwow is one of the largest in North America, and is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Be sure to witness a Grand Entry, a rhythmic march that opens the competitions, when all of the dancers in full regalia claim the Dancing Ground to the accompaniment of tribal drums and singers.
This is a family-friendly event offering a look at the fascinating culture and heritage of Native Americans.
Veterans Ceremonies
In keeping with our native ways, we will always honor our veterans. We are proud to honor these noble individuals, offer our thanks for their service, and welcome all veterans to Powwow.
About the Coushatta Tribe
From their earliest days as a proud, hard-working people struggling to maintain long-standing traditions in the face of forced governmental relocation, the Coushatta Indians endured every hardship by which they were confronted.
Even after serious setbacks and tribal dispersions at the hands of regional government expansion, the character and ideals of the tribe held fast. Indeed, they were actually strengthened, and remain important elements of its culture today. The Coushatta language, in particular, is now considered unique among Native Americans because it has survived in its purest form.
The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana was officially recognized by the Federal government in 1973, established its present home north of Elton in 1975, and marked a major turning point in tribal history in 1985 with the election by popular vote of the first Coushatta tribal government.
Like many other traditions and practices, the Coushatta family unit continues to flourish and in itself remains the cornerstone of Coushatta life. Today, the tribe is composed of seven large families known as 'clans'.
Past and present, the Coushatta Tribe may proudly boast of a culture rich in courage, ingenuity and perseverance.
As owners and operators of Coushatta Casino Resort, the people of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana invite you to experience the many influences of tribal history and heritage that have culminated in a truly family-friendly resort environment.
Powwow Etiquette
When at a Native Powwow, it helps to know what behavior is considered courteous and respectful. Naturally, customs and rules vary from tribe to tribe. Powwow etiquette means more than just “company manners.” A breach of etiquette at a Powwow will not only offend, it may also result in the offender being removed from the arena. The best way to bypass this is to know what behavior is appropriate.
These actions are a given:keep your children near you, speak softly, and refrain from negative thoughts and comments. These actions show respect for the Powwow as a religious and sacred ceremony. Following are more etiquette hints for non-Native newcomers and visitors.
- All Powwows are sacred places. The Dancing Circle is ceremoniously blessed before any festivities begin. It remains sacred ground until the Powwow is over.
- Alcohol, drugs, and firearms are strictly prohibited.
- Do not bring your pets to a Powwow.
- Dress and act respectfully. Maintain modesty in your attire. It is not appropriate to wear hot pants, “short-shorts,” extremely short skirts, halter tops, swim-wear, or other offensive clothing. Profanity and excessive public displays of affection (“making out”) have no place at a Powwow.
- Seats near the Dancing Circle are reserved for drummers, singers, and dancers.
- Dancers wear regalia. (It is also sometimes called an outfit.) Referring to these beautifully handcrafted and ceremonially adorned items as ‘costumes’ shows disrespect. Often some of the articles comprising it are family heirlooms. Do not intentionally touch any part of it, especially the eagle feathers––they are sacred. If you see a lost eagle feather, do NOT pick it up! Notify the nearest Powwow staff member at once.
- The Powwow is a spectacle of color and movement, and you've brought your camera to capture the excitement.
Before you snap the shutter, remember:
- NEVER take photographs when the Master of Ceremonies has stated ‘no photos.’
- NEVER take photographs during prayers, veterans’ songs or flag songs.
- NEVER take photographs of dancers in regalia without first asking permission.
- NEVER assume that, because the dancer gave you permission to take a photograph, this also means you have permission to use it in a publication. You MUST have the expressed permission of the dancer you photograph to use his/her likeness in any publication. This is best accomplished with a model release signed by the dancer.
- It is courteous to offer to send the dancer a copy of the photograph.
- Listen and pay attention to the Master of Ceremonies. He will announce all the information you need to enjoy the Powwow and know what is happening.
- The Master of Ceremonies will also ask all attendees to stand during certain songs (honor, veteran, flag, prayer, memorial, grand entry, and any other song he designates). Please stand until the song is finished if you are at all able to do so. If you are wearing a hat or other head covering, you are expected to remove it.
- Though the excitement at a Powwow can reach fever pitch and the noise level can climb quite high, it is considered extremely impolite to use your finger to point. Many Native cultures consider the pointed finger to be a sign of rudeness. If you need to indicate a direction, nod your head and direct your gaze to the area where you want to focus attention.
- Most of all, enjoy yourself! Powwows are social events, a “family gathering” of sorts, a chance to learn about Native heritage, culture and traditions, and best of all, to make new friends.
The Stomp Dance
What is a Stomp Dance?
The Stomp Dance is a form of dance to celebrate our culture. Dancers dance in a counter-clockwise circle, woman following man following woman, and so on. Women wear long skirts and turtle “shakers,” one of the main components in making the music. Men “call” and are the highlight of the song by setting the pace of the dancers. This particular dance is common to Indians in the southeast part of the United States. The dance is celebrated socially and religiously. Social stomp dances are held throughout the year and can be held indoors or outdoors, with or without a fire. Religious stomp dances are held during the summer at the height of the new crop season at particular stomp dance grounds during the Green Corn Ceremony.
What does the Green Corn Ceremony have to do with the Stomp Dance?
The Green Corn Ceremony is a festive holiday our Koasati ancestors once participated in to give thanks to Abba Chokoli, our Creator for providing us with food, life, and faith. The ceremonial fire provided for the Green Corn Ceremony is never allowed to burn out. It is made to represent the ongoing faith and belief for Abba Chokoli. As we dance the Stomp Dance during the night our prayers are symbolically sent to Him through the smoke flowing high above the fire to the Heavens. As we dance, we pray, give thanks, and ask for forgiveness of our sins through song and dance.
How do you “lose” a tradition?
It is common for cultures to lose traditions over time for different reasons. For our Coushatta people, the struggle to maintain the lands our ancestors thrived on forced us to move from our original lands of Tennessee to Texas and then finally to Louisiana. Influence from non-Indian cultures and religion made a big impact toward losing our Koasati ways. Presently, very few of our people know the original dances, songs, and ways of our ancestors.
How do we know the Stomp Dance is a part of our Koasati tradition?
Historical accounts of the Koasati people participating in the Stomp Dance and Green Corn Ceremonies do exist. One of the first anthropologists to research our tribe was John Swanton. His research revealed many facts about the Koasati Tribe, including details of our migration and how our people used to live among the Creek villages. There are many resources that detail our people’s history in old documents, researchers’ notes, and many books.
The Garfish,once used for food and jewelry, represents courage, wisdom, strength, and discipline.
The colors, reflecting traditional clothing worn by tribal members, also reflect the various colors of the day and night and have individual meanings.
Black represents Night.
White represents Daylight.
Yellow represents the Sun.
Orange represents Discipline.
Red represents Life-giving Blood.
The Whole Shape represents the Never-ending Circle of Life and Eternity.
Coushatta Casino Resort
777 Coushatta Drive
Kinder, Louisiana 70648
1-800-584-7263
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Powwow / Vendor Information
Legends Casino Pow Wow 2019
Katie Arvie (337) 584-1545
Driving Directions
Coushatta Casino Resort is located in Kinder, Louisiana. From Interstate 10 take Exit 44 to Kinder. The resort is 5 miles north of Kinder on US Highway 165. It is 2 1/2 hours by car from Houston, 3 hours by car from New Orleans.
If you have questions, you may call Katie Arvie at (337)-584-1545.
Privacy Policy
Cherokee Pow Wow 2019
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P.O. Box 1510
Kinder, LA 70648
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Yakama Nation Tribal Programs Contact Information
The Yakama Nation Programs are on a limited work schedule and all offices are closed to the public to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Only essential programs will work on M/W/F from 8am-12pm. For emergency matters please call the numbers listed below to schedule an appt. or to discuss the issue/concern over the phone. If there is no answer, please leave a message. Thank you.
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White Swan Ambulance Expanded Services
For More Information Or Scheduling Contact: (509)874-2979 0r (509)945-4612
Email: Devra_Lewis@yakama.com
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Yakama Nation Enrollment Program Limited Services
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Yakama Nation Behavioral Health Request For Services
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Yakama Nation Credit Enterprise Backpack Giveaway 2020 Has Been Cancelled
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Yakama Nation Credit Enterprise Update on FuneralLoans
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Pahto Transit Temporary Emergency Routes
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Effective 4/16/20 Pahto Public Passage:
Passengers must have a face covering prior to boarding all Pahto Public Passage vehicles & wear the covering throughout their trip.
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**Department of Revenue Minimal Operations Update**
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3/17/2020 The Cultural Center: Museum, Library, Theater, Gift Shop & Events Will Be Closed To The Public Until Further Notice
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November 2019 Semiannual Report
On November 15, 2019, the Yakama Nation submitted a semiannual report about its first round application under
the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries dated November 30, 2018. A copy
of that November 2019 Semiannual Report can be found below.
For more information, contact Noelle Saluskin at (509)865-5121 Ext. 6075
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Second Round VW Settlement Application
On August 27, 2019, the Yakama Nation submitted an application for second round funds under the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries dated November 30, 2018. A copy of that application can be found below.
For more information, contact Noelle Saluskin at (509)865-5121 Ext. 6075
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January 2020 Semiannual Report
On January 16, 2020, the Yakama Nation submitted a semiannual report about its first round application under the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries dated November 30, 2018. A copy of that January 2020 Semiannual Report can be found below.
For more information, contact Noelle Saluskin at (509)865-5121 Ext. 6075
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Are You Interested In Becoming A Wildland Firefighter?
2020 Emergency Firefighter Applications Available At Fire Management
Contact Yakama Nation Fire Management At (509)865-6653
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Yakama Nation CASA Program
Is seeking community members that have strong writing skills, organized, dependable
and passionate about ensuring the future of the community.
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Latest News
The Mount Adams Recreation Area at Tract D is currently closed.
An update will be provided after August 1, 2020.
Email TribalForestry@yakama.com for further information or call(509)865-5121 Ext. 4613 or 4653
FY 2020 Gaming Per-Capita Schedule
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Wak'ishwi January 2020 Calendar
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Yakama Business Training & Technology Center March 2020 Calendar
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Yakama Nation Heritage Theater
As of June 1, 2019
The Final Showing Every Day Is Reserved For Patrons Age 12 And Older.
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Resolution T-057-18 Press Release
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Yakama Nation Climate Adaptation Plan Version 1
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RETROCESSION NEWS MEDIA RELEASE
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CDC's Latest Addition To Its Public Health Practice Stories From The Field
Describes How Pharmacists On The Yakama Nation Reservation In Washington Are Helping Improve The Health Of Patients With Diabetes.
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Yakama Nation Travel Summer Newsletter 2018
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Upcoming Events
Yakama Nation Tribal Child Care & Development Fund Eligibility Levels Income Guideline
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Save The Date
Yakama Nation Treaty Day Parade & Cultural Center Anniversary
June 7, 2019
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