The community elementary students of Harlem, Dodson, Chinook, Mission, White Clay Immersion, and Hays/Lodge Pole united together to continue celebrating Native American week, this time gathering at the Hays High School gymnasium.

The wet, rainy weather prevented the planned walk through the Mission Canyon to the Hays Powwow Grounds, compelling the participants to move inside to proceed with the celebration.

As the Hays High School gym quickly filled to capacity, Emcees Don Racine and Tuffy Helgeson called each grade level from the surrounding schools, along with their teachers, to join in the Grand Entry.

After the introduction of the Color Guard and the community powwow royalty, the dancing got underway. The drumming duties were shared by four groups, the Lodge Pole drummers, the Hays/Lodge Pole drummers, the Assinniboine Cree drummers, and the Aaniiih Nakota drummers. The groups provided excellent drumming as the students and staff members joined in the traditional Round Dance and, everyone's favorite, the Owl Dance.

Then the individual dance categories, including Tiny Tots, Fancy, Jingle, Traditional, and Grass dancing took place with participants dressed in their finest regalia. Needless to say, all spectators were amazed by the intricate dance patterns and vibrant dance ensembles of the participants.

This amazing young Grass dancer stole the show with complicated feats even older participants struggle to master.

Adding to the celebration were other special events, including the introduction of the Fort Belknap Council members, a special acknowledgment for Tuffy Helgeson by family members as he readies himself for a sharing journey to Hawaii, plus the recognition and appreciation of two long-time Lodge Pole Elementary employees, Mary Mount and Joyce Fox.

Harlem Elementary would like to extend a sincere thank you to Don Racine, Tuffy Helgeson, and the entire Hays/Lodge Pole Schools and community for hosting such a wonderful event – fine drumming, delightful dancing, great food –and especially for the warm hospitality shown to everyone in attendance. It has been a culturally educational, as well as fun-filled, Native American Week, and Harlem Elementary is looking forward to future collaborations with our surrounding families, sharing and celebrating the rich Native American heritage of our community.