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Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 7:11 PM
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Local Powwow Highlights Unity, Hope, and Healing

Local Powwow Highlights Unity, Hope, and Healing
Left: Judah Blu Sampson, Schurz, NV. Right: Bryson and Isaac Prismo, Elko, NV.

Author: Photos by Victoria Crystal.

Nestled amidst the golden hues of the Great Basin Desert, where the sun dances on the edge of the Stillwater Mountains, the vibrant spirit of local and regional Native Americans was showcased during the second annual Moving Forward Together Powwow. A colorful tapestry of tradition, hope, and healing unfolded before the eyes of those fortunate enough to attend this unique cultural celebration.

Led by the resilient members of various tribes, Churchill Community Coalition and the Native Voters Alliance of Nevada sponsored the powwow, with the local Native American community members as hosts. Held at the Rafter 3C Arena on June 2, the alcohol-free-admission-free event embodied the essence of a people who have endured adversity with unwavering strength.

As a vital cultural touchstone, the event gave dancers and many attendees an opportunity to pay homage to the ancestral spirits and to connect with their roots. In a kaleidoscope of shimmering mosaic colors, feathers swayed in a hypnotic rhythm as adorned dancers of all ages were bedecked in resplendent regalia. The dances far surpassed entertainment, as each step retold ancient stories through color and motion.

The powwow is more than a mere celebration; it is a beacon of hope, serving as a reminder of resilience, offering a platform for cultural revival by way of traditional regalia, swirling skirts, and electrifying energy in the dance arena. Not only is the powwow significant in its cultural importance but also in its capacity to foster unity and understanding among diverse communities. Visitors from near and far were welcomed with open arms, invited to partake in the festivities and experience firsthand uniqueness of the Native American tradition of dance. Even more, it was a bridge between cultures and a gentle reminder that despite our differences, we all share common threads life, loss, and hope for a closer community.

The Host Drum for the event, Bear Spring, traveled from San Jacinto, CA for the event. Dances included the Men’s Northern Traditional Special with Headman Roper Piper, Jr, the Pink Ladies Special with Aurora Toledo and family, Red Dress Jingle Special, Healing Dance Special, the Women’s Butterfly Dance Special with Fran Tohannie, a Sobriety and Recovery Special, and a Fallon Youth Drum Circles Dance Special. Additionally, a Fancy Dance Special was performed honoring Myron Dewey, a citizen of the Walker River Paiute Tribe with the Indian Name (numunanea) of Ahu-auh-bud-shoe-knaw-me "Strong Thinker." Head Staff for the event included MC Tyson Shay (Shoshone-Bannock), AD Hank Johnson (Washoe-Paiute), Headman Roper Piper, Jr (Paiute-Shoshone), and Headwoman Aurora Toledo (Paiute-Shoshone).

In the heart of Churchill County, where the desert winds whisper ancient tales, the powwow stood as a symbol of hope, a radiant testament to the indomitable spirit of Native Americans. Fortunately for Fallon, this culturally sacred and unique tradition was shared with all.

 

 


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Jeanine Paul 06/13/2023 11:02 AM
This pow wow is a little different than most due to its focus on the educational aspects. I am glad to see Fallon sponsor such an important gathering again. Throughout the pow wow various aspects are pointed out by the MC and explained so everyone understands the meaning of what is being done. I would like to provide an addition to the above post with this sentiment in mind. Pow-wow's are broken down into sessions. Each session begins with the Grand Entry in which the Eagle Staff leads the flags carried in by the veterans and followed by the dancers in a specific order. There is an arena director who ensures everyone is in line in the right place at the right time at all times during the pow-wow. The flag song and an honor song are sung as the Egle Staff and US Flag are posted at the MC's table. The "dance floor" is now open. The arena, or dance floor, is considered sacred. Only competing dancers, the arena director and select others are able to enter the arena. The only exception is during Intertribals where all people are invited to dance together. When the session is complete the veterans will retire the Eagle Staff and colors in the same fashion. A song in sung while the veterans carry out the Eagle Staff and colors and all the dancers follow. The "dance floor" is now closed. I am proud to be a veteran. I consider it a great honor to be part of the Pyramid Lake Veterans and Warriors Organization. We have been blessed to be requested as the color guard for many pow wows and other events every year.

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Comment author: Mike HinzComment text: I knew Sam as a member of our church growing up. He always had a warm smile, a kind word, and a great sense of humor! He will be great missed!Comment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:57 AMComment source: Obituary -- Samuel Bruce WickizerComment author: Mike HinzComment text: Great teacher, great coach, but even a better person!!! Rest in peace Mr. BeachComment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:53 AMComment source: Obituary -- Jack Victor Beach, Jr.Comment author: Mike HinzComment text: I had Mrs Hedges for First Grade at Northside Elementary in 1969. I still, to this day, remember her as a wonderful teacher…one of my favorites!!Comment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:29 AMComment source: Obituary - Nancy Marie Hedges C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: What are MFNs and PBMs ?? ............................ From the editor: This is a very good question and we apologize for not catching that wasn't in there. We reached out to the writer/submitter and got this info back...hope it's helpful. PBM: Pharmacy Benefit Managers are pharmacies that are owned by insurance companies. (CVS is one.) They negotiate with drug makers to get reduced pricing for medications, but they historically have not passed along those savings to patients. https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/pharmacy-benefit-managers-staff-report.pdf MFN: Most Favored Nation pricing is a policy that means a country agrees to offer the same trade concessions (like tariffs or price reductions) to all member nations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). When applied to pharmaceuticals, it could disrupt global access, deter innovation, and obscure the deeper systemic issues in American health care. https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2025/05/22/the-global-risks-of-americas-most-favored-nation-drug-pricing-policy/Comment publication date: 6/23/25, 7:47 AMComment source: L E T T E R TO THE EDITOR
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