News
RECEP Program awarded additional funding
The Spokane Tribe of Indian’s Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP) is pleased to announce an additional funding award in the amount of $20,175.00 from the US Department of Health and Human Services Administration (HRSA). This will enable the RESEP program to maintain full-time services through the next budget year. The current HRSA Grant will run through August of 2014 with the possibility of further extension.
Our latest numbers show three formal Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) awardees from the local uranium industry or their survivors having worked at the Midnite Mine or the Dawn Mill with other individual awards expected soon. There have been 21 patients formally screened in the RESEP clinics held at the David C. Wynecoop Memorial Clinic with 38 RECA clients in various stages of award application. The current RECA statue requires uranium industry workers to have had at least a full year of employment by the end of 1971 and a compensable illness to receive an award.
For questions about the RECA legislation, eligibility as a worker or survivor, filing a compensation claim, or scheduling a screening examination of former uranium worker, please contact Tracy Kieffer or Corrie Glenn at the RESEP office located at the Health and Human Services building (258-7502, ext 35). There is a RESEP community meeting planned for the Long House on September 19th from 2-4 p.m. There are additional meetings planned for West End, Ford , and Spokane this fall.
Annual Labor Day Pow Wow -- Labor Day Weekend
2012 Spokane Tribal Labor Day Celebration
By: Monica L. Peone
Wellpinit-WA, the Spokane Tribe of Indians celebrated their 98th Pow Wow this past Labor Day Weekend. The weather was incredible as the fairgrounds filled up on camper’s night and the Spokane Tribe prepared for a wonderful traditional celebration.
For a lot of Natives the Spokane Tribe’s Pow Wow is their last stop before their Pow Wow trail ends for the summer as school starts right after this weekend. This is a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage. The drums and singers are a very important part of the Pow Wow. The songs are of many varieties; from religious to war to social songs. All of these songs hold special meaning to those who know the songs. Open Stick Games were played throughout the weekend and the area was packed with players and onlookers.
The Labor Day Celebration was organized by the Pow Wow Committee who was dedicated to bringing the best to Wellpinit. They work throughout the year to bring more people, drummers, dancers, and vendors to the celebration. This year’s Pow Wow was a fine example of how hard they worked. It was packed to capacity with Tribal members, dancers, drummers, spectators, family and friends.
Another part of the yearly Pow Wow is that the Master of Ceremonies; Dave Browneagle does an excellent job as the emcee. He works with the Arena Director to keep the Pow Wow organized and running smoothly. These two individuals along with the committee work hard to bring the people together to dance and fellowship together in the circle. Pow Wow committee member Gladys Rhoads truly appreciated everyone’s efforts in helping with the grounds preparation and anything else that was necessary to make this event go as smoothly as possible.
Prior to Grand Entry, Spokane Tribal Business Council Chairman Rudy Peone welcomed all who were in attendance. He commented on the entire celebration by saying, “It was very fulfilling to watch the Pow Wow grow everyday beginning with Thursday’s Crowning of the Spokane Tribal Royalty at the Tiny Tot celebration clear through the weekend specials and competitions. I am thankful for such a successful and safe weekend for everyone and I am already looking forward to next year’s celebration.”
During the Grand Entry the flags carried include the U.S. Flag, Tribal Flags, the POW Flag, and Eagle Staff. Our Veterans hold the United States Flag in an honored position and carry it proudly.
Some of this year’s highlights included but are not limited to; the induction of new royalty, honoring the VFW and the Prairie Chicken Dance that is held yearly by George Flett. The Prairie Chicken Dance is dear to George’s heart and he has done an amazing job of sponsoring this event. Many dancers come to this Pow Wow just for this event. It continues to grow in popularity and contestants.
The volunteers, councilmen and the Spokane Tribal Pow Wow Committee are already planning for next year’s celebration and are seeking input on how to improve even more on this very successful Pow Wow.
