Uyxat Powwow Grounds to host Veterans Summit and powwow July 10-13

For the second year in a row, the Grand Ronde Tribe's Uyxat Powwow Grounds off Hebo Road will be home to veterans from Thursday, July 10, through Sunday, July 13, as it hosts the Native Wellness Institute's "Gathering of Warriors II" Veterans Summit and the annual Marcellus Norwest Memorial Veterans Powwow.

Like last year, the two events will segue into each other on Friday, July 11.

The Gresham-based Native Wellness Institute is holding the second annual Native Veterans Summit. Last year's inaugural event, which lasted four days, attracted more than 300 veterans and their relatives.

"The gathering is in your honor to help you on your healing journey," the institute says in a brochure advertising the gathering. "We want to honor you, care for you, lift you up and be of service to you and your families so that you can live in balance and harmony."

The event will open on the evening of Wednesday, July 9, with dinner served at 6 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. opening fire ceremony and 8 p.m. cultural sharing.

On Thursday, July 10, breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. and an opening ceremony is set for 9 a.m. Speakers will take the stage at 10 a.m. and the afternoon will feature workshops and activities starting at 1 p.m.

Workshop topics will include post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health, suicide prevention, self-care, transition from soldier to civilian and vocational rehabilitation. Activities will include talking circles, support meetings, veteran's benefits coordination, employment information, health and dental care, a healing village, traditional games, massages and haircuts, cultural activities and ceremonies, and a parade of color guards.

Featured speakers will include Linda Woods (Ojibwe), the Woman Eagle Staff carrier, and Navajo code talkers. Both were featured at the 2013 gathering.

On Friday, July 11, breakfast will again be served at 8 a.m. and events will follow the same schedule as Thursday until the 5 p.m. closing. A parade of honor guards set for 6 p.m. will segue into the Veterans Powwow, which has its first grand entry slated for 7 p.m.

The Native Veterans Summit is free and all meals will be provided. Camping at Uyxat Powwow Grounds is also free and a limited number of tents and sleeping bags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register for the event, go online at www.nativewellness.com, contact Will Penn at 360-390-7463 or e-mail at info@nativewellness.com, or send a registration form to Native Wellness Institute, 2830 S.E. Cleveland Drive, Gresham, OR 97080, fax 360-877-4051.

Veterans Powwow

The 2014 Marcellus Norwest Memorial Veterans Powwow starts at 7 p.m. Friday, July 11, with the first of four grand entries scheduled over the weekend. Other grand entries are set for 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 12, and 1 p.m. Sunday, July 13.

Nick Sixkiller, a familiar face at powwows in Grand Ronde, is once again the master of ceremonies. West Coast Boys are the host drum. All veterans, drummers and dancers are welcome.

The powwow will honor two Tribal World War II veterans who recently walked on - Biff Langley and Eugene Hudson - and honor Korean War veterans on Saturday.

Tribal member Deitz Peters and his wife, Rose (Shoshone), will be the head man and woman. Specials will include a drum contest and Men's Traditional sponsored by the Peters.

In addition, gourd dancing is set for 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. There also will be exhibition dancing, committee specials (Women's Basket Cap) and Teen Girls Jingle Jackpot and Teen Boys Grass Jackpot contests. The family of Marcellus Norwest will sponsor a Tiny Tot special.

Powwow vendors should contact Veterans Special Event Board member Wayne Chulik at 503-437-3052. For more information, e-mail gr.honor.guard@gmail.com or call 503-757-7965.

The Veterans Powwow is open to the public and camping is available. No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed at the powwow grounds.

The powwow is put on by the Tribe's Veterans Special Event Board.