By Katie Manzanares

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe welcomed dancers, singers, families and visitors from across Indian Country for its annual Sobriety Pow Wow, held July 24 through 26 at the Muckleshoot Powwow Grounds in Auburn.

Throughout the weekend, the powwow grounds were filled with people coming together to dance, sing, visit with family and friends and celebrate culture in a drug and alcohol free environment.

People traveled from Tribal communities throughout the region and beyond to take part in the gathering. From the arena to the rows of vendors and food stands, there was something happening across the grounds throughout the weekend.

Grand entries were held Friday evening, twice on Saturday and again Sunday afternoon. Dancers of all ages filled the arena in regalia as drums and singers carried the songs throughout the powwow grounds.

Dance contests included traditional, fancy, grass and jingle, along with golden age and other adult categories. Teen and junior dancers also competed throughout the weekend, and tiny tots ages 5 and younger were welcomed into the arena.

Special contests included men's grass and women's fancy.

Indian Hill of California served as host drum. Mike Sanchez and Gayle Skunkcap served as announcers, Merlin KickingWoman served as arena director and Reuben Twin served as whipman.

Outside of the arena, vendors offered Native art, clothing, jewelry and other items, while food stands gave families and visitors plenty of options to enjoy while spending the day at the powwow.

The annual Muckleshoot Sobriety Pow Wow is about more than competition and dancing. At the center of the gathering is sobriety, recovery and the strength that comes from culture and community.

During the powwow, people in recovery are called to the floor and recognized for their sobriety. Recovery chips are handed out as the community gathers around the arena to acknowledge and celebrate those on their journey. The moment gives everyone a chance to show their support, whether someone is just beginning their recovery or has been walking that path for years.

The tradition is an important part of the annual powwow and reflects what the weekend is about: bringing Native people together in a drug and alcohol free space where recovery can be celebrated alongside culture, family and community.

The weekend also included a coed softball tournament at Muckleshoot Tribal School. 14 teams competed in the double elimination tournament, with six men and four women on the field at all times adding another way for people to come together throughout the weekend.

For many families, powwows are also a chance to reconnect with people they may not see often. Throughout the weekend, children, teens, adults and elders could be seen visiting around the grounds, watching family members dance, shopping with vendors, sharing food and spending time together.

By the time the weekend came to an end Sunday, the annual gathering had welcomed people from near and far to Muckleshoot for three days of dancing, singing, competition, food and community, all while honoring sobriety and recovery.