FORT BELKNAP, Mont. (NMB) – For the first time since the start of the pandemic, Fort Belknap’s Milk River Indian Days Celebration is returning in full-force from July 28th-31st.
The event was canceled in 2020 and was cut back significantly in 2021, but this year, it will have its full traditional look and feel, according to Tribal Council Member Dominic Messerly, who is one of many people that help organize this event.
“We’ve got several drum groups and dancers from throughout the United States and Canada that are going to be joining us here. So it’s going to be good to get back together and to be able to see friends and relatives that we haven’t been able to see. Even within our community, coming out of the Public Health Emergency, being able to celebrate, visit, enjoy and take in the celebration.”
Messerly says this year’s theme is “The Heartbeat of Grass Dance Country.”
“That theme was brought about by the late Harris Rock and Robert Ironmaker, Jr., who was the drum keeper back then. And what they said is that this area was well known for that style of dance and song in the grass dance. And so the Heartbeat of Grass Dance Country is right along the Hi-Line, from Rocky Boy to Fort Peck, including Fort Belknap.”
Messerly says the entire general public is welcome to come and participate.
“Everybody is welcome to dance and enter tribal dancing. Parking is free, admission is free, and the Powwow here is a social gathering where there is no discrimination, there’s no bias. It’s people of all tribal nations and other nations coming together and help celebrate. It’s open to everybody.”
The event schedule is:
- Thursday, July 28th:
- Youth Powwow – 6 PM
- Friday, July 29th:
- Milk River Indian Days Parade – Registration at 11 AM, Parade at 1 PM. All youth bike riders are invited and will be compensated. Winners of the parade in the categories will be announced at the night’s Powwow
- First Grand Entry – 7 PM. Tommy Christians of Poplar and Don Racine of Hays will be the Masters of Ceremonies. and Walter Runs Above of Frazer will be the Arena Director.
- Saturday, July 30th:
- Mosquito Run in memory of Ignatius George Stiffarm “Iggy.” Entry is $20, with registration at 8 AM and the races starting at 9 AM. Event begins at Powwow Grounds. Race options are 1 mile walk/run, 5k, and 7 mile. Contact Diego Hammett at 406-450-0692.
- Grand Entry – starts at 1 PM. Supper break at 4:30-5 PM. Second Grand Entry 7:30 PM
- Sunday, July 31st:
- Grand Entry: 1 PM
Drum groups that will be in attendance include Gathering of Nations World Champions Thunder Hill and Show Time.
