12th annual SVIE Pow Wow keeps native traditions alive

The Skykomish Valley Indian Education program (SVIE) held its 12th annual traditional Pow Wow Saturday, May 28, at the Monroe High School Commons.

Keeping to tradition, this Pow Wow had no prize money or dance competitions. The traditional Pow Wow is meant to be an opportunity for all to take part in celebrating native culture.

The Pow Wow began with a lively grand entry followed by a fitting recognition of the veterans present for the Memorial Day weekend event. More than five veterans were recognized and asked to say a brief word on where they served. The Pow Wow continued with prayer, a welcome by the dignitaries and honoring of the elders. Intertribal and social dances were a large part of the Pow Wow, allowing anyone to participate, even if they didn't wear regalia.

Among the veterans honored was 91-year-old Dale Nakken of the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana. Nakken served in the South Pacific during WWII, making five invasions in squadron PT boats. He left the military after WWII before being recalled for the Korean War, where he served aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Shangri-La.

"We all serve,GÇ¥ Nakken said. "Everyone I have ever known has served in some way. Whether we are in uniform or that we are in service to one another or service to our country; that's the way we serve.GÇ¥

Nakken said his heritage is a large part of who he is and he has spent many years of his life attending various Pow Wows.

"I still try to participate in Pow Wows, and I love the heartbeat of Mother Earth when I hear the drums,GÇ¥ Nakken said.

He used to dance, drum and sing when he was younger.

"I've lived as good of a life as I can, trying to be of service to other people,GÇ¥ he said. "That's what I do.GÇ¥

The Pow Wow is about community, drawing people together each year for an afternoon that celebrates native heritage alive. Most importantly, the program exposes native children to their cultural traditions and a sense of identity.

"The tribes are scattered to the four corners of the earth,GÇ¥ said SVIE board member Craig Young. "So, a program like this will get kids from all over the country, kids that have never been to a reservation, some kids that don't even know what their heritage is until they come here.GÇ¥

Started in 1980, SVIE serves Alaska Native and Native American students in Monroe, Snohomish and Sultan public schools. A nonprofit parent organization started in 1997. The parent organization raises funds for cultural activities, graduation awards and scholarships and activities not funded by the federal grant for Indian education. The program serves as many as 50 different tribes and nations from across the country each year.

Young said the parent program formed when parents spoke up about preserving the Pow Wow, their heritage and events that bring people together. The program uniquely supports the importance of scholastics, but also the significance of Indian history and culture.

"The program meets the culturally related needs of children,GÇ¥ said SVIE family liaison/coordinator Marlene "MarsGÇ¥ Miller.