First powwow in over two years, and first one in the Pacific NW. Spent time on the traditional lands of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and their gorgeous powwow grounds. Very different from back home on the East Coast: -No seafood. Missed the smoked salmon, bluefish, and oysters. I thought y’all were salmon people up here! -Coffee trucks! That was a new one for me. But delish and helps you dance all night! -The lemons for the lemonade were pre-smashed. And mine had huckleberry. Just fancy. -Played a game called “Sweep the Tipi”. Well I’m taking that home and renaming it “Sweep the Long House” -Jewelry is more deer antler and less wampum. -Owl Dance. WHAT?! Um....OWLS?!? -The Men’s Traditional don’t show as much leg. Sad. -Pine Trees!! Eeeee!! 🌲☺️ -OWLS?!?! -Same love, overflowing joy and infectious laughter you’ll find everywhere in Indian Country! Thank you @nehiyanahk_creations and your beautiful family for taking me. I had such a great weekend and I’ll be back soon! #powwow #powwowseason #powwowtrail #powwowlife #ribbonskirt #fancydance #jingledress #indigenous #ndn #native #blacknative #afroindigenous #Oregon #Portland