By Ron Karten
Smoke Signals staff writer
A heart-pounding drum syncopated its way out of the new plankhouse, all the way to arriving guests in the parking area. Little Miss Grand Ronde, Isabelle Grout, 6, summed up the heavy beat and energy radiating from the plankhouse, in one word, “Awesome!” she said. This little wise-woman speaks volumes about the traditions and aspirations for this event, as each guest reiterated their hope that the following generations would keep the fire alight.
“Ideally, everything is handed down, generation to generation,” said Marcus Gibbons, Director for the 2009 Restoration Powwow. Sometimes 50 or 100 years old, …read more… Gibbons was talking about his traditional regalia, with eagle bone breastplate, deerskin leggings and moccasins, deer and porcupine head roach.
Whether the 26th or the 1st, Restoration guests bow their heads in recognition of their ancestral struggle and look ahead, encouraging the youth in the traditional ways. This year, Restoration introduced the community to the new plankhouse, unfinished though it is. Standing like an old cathedral, growing with each generation, the community brought it to life with song, dance and prayer.
Held Sunday, Nov. 22, the 26th Restoration began at the new plankhouse & powwow grounds at 10 a.m., comfortably filled with 150 guests. The events then moved to the gymnasium for lunch and more fun enjoyed by 426 participants.
The event started out with the first plankhouse blessing by Tribal member and Cultural Protection Specialist Eirik Thorsgard. After the song began, the Canoe Family emerged, dancing with paddles in hand.
“Just watching this takes you to a place that you only see in old-time sketches,” said Tribal Elder and Librarian Marion Mercier.
Later, describing girls dancing back and forth, imitating the weaving, Language and Cultural Specialist Bobby Mercier said that the dance elicited memories of aunties making baskets. “All our history is tied up in those baskets,” he said.
Again the welcoming message to future generations was put forth by Tribal Elder and former Tribal Chairwoman Kathryn Harrison “We had hopes and dreams and visions (for this plankhouse). I want to thank all the young people that are down there. We know you are representing us well.”
While the fires burned hot in the center of the plankhouse below, Elders warmed themselves above the fire on the top row, made for easy access, and reflected on the event.
In for the holidays, Tribal Elder Bernice Jensen, 92, of Portland, said “I wouldn’t miss it, even as cold as it is. Just say, ‘We’re tough Indians!’ ”
“I wish my mom and dad could have been here to see this,” added Tribal Elder Marilee Norwest, with tears coming to her eyes.
At the gymnasium a lively emcee, a standing ovation for 101 year old Tribal Elder Nora Kimsey, a Grand Entry & Color Guard, as well as drum performances by 16 groups, and a dancing troupe added to the high energy and community bonds. Reinforcing family ties and the strong sense of community a Tribal Family Tree was posted, something appreciated by Tribal Elder Betty Bly who said, “I was finally able to prove to Reyn (Leno) that we’re related!”
Performing with his flute, guitar and voice, Native American Music Association’s 2009 Performer of the Year Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach remarked:
“It’s an absolute honor to be Grand Ronde (Tribal Member),” he said, “but without this place and without all of you, this music doesn’t mean anything at all.”
“The dance arena for me is family,” said Marcus Gibbons. “All one heartbeat, all one Tribe, all one nation of people. This right here to me is my way of giving back to the Creator for all He has given me. The children are a place for us to continue on and we give to the children so we don’t fade away.”
November & December are usually a time of tradition for many families around the nation. What traditions do you pass down to your children? What is most important to you? Please share!
All photos are by Michelle Alaimo