Powerful drum beats echo through the air. Drummers sit around a large animal skin drum pounding in synchronized rhythm. They begin singing emotionally-charged songs handed down from their tribal ancestors as the procession enters the arena.
It’s all part of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ annual Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow at the Pauline Ricks Memorial Pow-Wow Grounds on Government Hill in Siletz. This year’s event is coming up Aug. 9-11.
Tribal warriors and elders wearing elaborate feathered headdresses are first to enter the arena. A color guard closely follows with Siletz tribal flags, the American flag and the State of Oregon flag. Veterans are highly regarded by the tribe and traditionally follow the color guard. They are warriors. You can feel their pride by their thoughtful ceremonial dance steps.
Next in the procession are members of the tribal council. The longtime tribal chair, Delores “Dee” Pigsley, is followed by other tribal council members, who are elected to serve as the tribe’s governing body.
Tribal royalty consisting of Junior Miss Siletz and Little Miss Siletz then arrives. These girls go through a competitive pageant process to be selected and crowned each year. They are escorted by guardians, called “whips” who safeguard the girls and ensure proper cultural etiquette is maintained throughout the event.
Hundreds of native people wearing a variety of colorful tribal garments, feathers and headdresses follow in procession. High-pitched clinging rings out from elaborate jingle dresses as women and girls move to the beat of the drum. Their dresses are very colorful and carefully handcrafted using the same sewing techniques used by past generations.
Everyone dances in unison to the same beat as they circle the arena. These are the sights and sounds of the grand entry at Siletz. It is clear to any observer that the participants are very proud of their heritage. Nesika Illahee translates from tribal language to “Our Place.”
Today there are about 5,600 people with indigenous roots enrolled as members of the Siletz tribe. Meanwhile, Philomath counts its current population at 5,801 people. The Siletz tribe and the Philomath community are currently the same size.
Philomath and the Siletz tribe have built a longstanding relationship. Philomath High School adopted the Warrior mascot more than 80 years ago. The Siletz cherish the warrior spirit. Thanks to the tribe, Philomath also treasures warrior pride.
Here are a few relatively recent snapshots of relationship building that Siletz and Philomath have experienced:
- In 2019, Philomath selected the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians as the grand marshal for the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo’s Grand Parade. Jeff Williams, a member of the Siletz tribe who graduated from Philomath High School in 1966 and still lives here, represented the tribe in the Frolic parade. Jeff was an ardent advocate for Philomath to continue use of the Warrior logo. His mother graduated PHS Class of 1937 and his grandson graduated 80 years later in 2017.
- The City of Philomath first celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day in October of 2019 by inviting then-Tribal Council members Angela Ramirez and Gloria Ingle to speak to the City Council. They were presented with a framed copy of the Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation. They both now serve as board members for the Siletz Tribal Arts and Heritage Society.
- In 2020, Robert Kentta, who then served as the cultural resources director and treasurer of the Siletz Tribal Council, was invited to speak to the City Council about tribal history and share unique baskets and tribal garments. Robert is tremendously knowledgeable and helped explain some of the more difficult chapters of tribal history. He was recently reelected to serve on the Tribal Council this past year.
- Later in 2020, the Siletz tribe presented a tribal flag to the City of Philomath. It now hangs on the wall in City Hall.
- In 2022, Alfred “Buddy” Lane IV, who also served as a cultural education specialist, met with staff and faculty of the Philomath School District during an in-service school virtual session to share tribal history to help jumpstart tribal educational curriculum. Buddy now also serves on the Tribal Council.
- In 2023, The Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce awarded the tribe the People’s Choice Samaritan Award to recognize the tribe for its wonderful charitable contributions to Philomath. Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Norton, Interim Human Resources Director Tina Retasket, Chief Executive Officer Kurtis Barker and Chief Financial Officer Daniel McCue traveled to PHS to accept the award on behalf of the tribe.
- In 2024, Peter Hatch, who is a history and archeology specialist with the tribe, came to PHS to share information with PHS students during a personalized learning day.
- Just this past May, the Siletz Tribe contributed grant funds for Clemens Primary School to purchase hardcover National Geographic books for our young people to promote literacy through summer reading. At the same grant award ceremony at the Chinook Winds, they also contributed grants to secure food for the Philomath Gleaners as well as funds for a new sound system for Philomath’s Music in the Park program.
The tribe is incredibly generous to nonprofit organizations throughout the Willamette Valley and have made more than $21 million in charitable grants since 2001. Many organizations in Philomath have benefitted from these grants to include the Philomath Police Department, Philomath Fire and Rescue, Philomath Community Meal, Philomath Senior-All Night Party, Philomath Community Services, Philomath Gleaners, Clemens Primary School and the Marys River American Legion Post 100. The tribe has made us stronger through their kindness.
In light of these contributions, goodwill and recent cultural exchanges, I encourage people to consider traveling over to Siletz one day to attend the upcoming powwow. Take time to watch the grand entry. You will be both inspired and impressed.
Just like Philomath looks forward to the Frolic the second week of July, the Siletz tribe looks forward to hosting its powwow during the second week in August. This is an opportunity for both members of the tribe and Native Americans from all over the Pacific Northwest to celebrate their heritage and perform traditional dances and embrace tribal culture.
The powwow is open to the public and provides all people an opportunity to observe ceremonies and the traditional dancing while enjoying food and friendship with our tribal neighbors. At the top corner of the flyer, it says “All are welcome to attend.” Just be sure to show some respect and share some simple kindness when visiting Siletz.
There are a lot of vendor booths located around the arena that offer everything from frybread to jewelry to crafts to clothing. It is fun to walk around and look at all the vendors have to offer. The food is always amazing. During the Sunday performance, the Siletz conducts a traditional salmon bake, that they cook over an open fire just like their ancestors did. They share samples of the salmon to those who attend during this scheduled event.
Throughout the three days there is an ongoing variety of tribal dances performed in the arena. These may vary by age group or dance category. Multiple drum groups alternate to provide music for the dancers.
While at Government Hill you can also learn about the Siletz Tribal Cultural Center that is under construction. After many years of fundraising, the Siletz broke ground on a 20,000-square-foot three-story building called Ghii Dee-ne Dvn (A Place for the People). This will serve as a home for many tribal historical artifacts. It will educate future generations of the tribe to treasure traditions and heritage left by their ancestors.
The powwow serves a similar purpose. It promotes tribal music, dancing, customs and community. Going to the powwow is a great way to learn more about Siletz and a great means to build community with our generous neighbors. Save the date!
If you choose to go, I suggest you park in the parking lot at Siletz City Hall and catch a free shuttle up to and from Government Hill. The flyer highlights the scheduled events throughout the weekend. There is a parade on Saturday morning and several grand entries scheduled throughout the weekend. The salmon bake occurs on Sunday afternoon this year.
On your way home, take a moment to grab a coffee at the Crooked River Coffee House located at 146 S. Gaither St., Siletz. It opened earlier this year. They offer both coffee drinks and regalia from tribal artists on consignment. Proceeds from the shop support Siletz Tribal Arts and Heritage Society tribal heritage efforts one sip at a time.
Drive safe!
(Eric Niemann is a former mayor and city councilor in Philomath. He can be reached at Lifeinphilomath@gmail.com).