The Bright Side: Kelso powwow returns despite aging volunteers

A 39-year-old tradition to honor area Native American culture returned to Kelso High School on Saturday, despite an earlier plea for volunteers to continue the intertribal ceremony.

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Powwow board chairperson Mike Brock said committee members were aging, with some suffering health issues.

The board of the 501(c)(3) issued a search for volunteers on its Facebook page in September, stating the event could possibly be canceled without more help.

Brock said last year, for instance, volunteers began the event's day at 5 a.m. and didn't leave until 3 a.m. the next day after breakdown.

Despite the scare, the event returned with a slightly shorter schedule, he said.

The nonprofit is also always looking for additional volunteers to carry on the tradition, Brock added. Setup typically starts the day before the event with pizza.

Kelso Powwow

Presley Tallbut, 15, of Longview, right, dances during the 39th Annual Kelso Powwow on Saturday, May 16, at Kelso High School. Tallbut said he is part of the Coast Salish tribe Sto:lo.

Event generates money for following year

Prior to the event, Brock expected "In Honor of Our Children Pow-Wow" to draw at least 1,000 attendees.

The powwow showcases traditional drumming, singing and dancing by tribes, including Cherokee, Apache and Blackfeet.

One performance requires attendees to put away electronic devices, as it is a sacred ceremony that traditionally includes prayers for other members.

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In addition to dances, the powwow features vendors selling items ranging from Native American art and jewelry to food like fry bread.

Fry bread is a traditional indigenous peoples' dish made from flat dough, then typically fried.

The event runs on income generated by those vendors who buy space.

Some members of the event are paid, Brock added, including the master of ceremonies (his title), arena director, the head dancers, and drummers.

"Our goal each year is to make enough money at the event to fund the next year's event," he said. "Fortunately, we have been able to accomplish this each year, but the donations are always welcome."

Kelso Powwow

Mike Brock, of Kelso, emcees the 39th Annual Kelso Powwow on Saturday, May 16, at Kelso High School. Brock called different dance categories, like "tiny tots," for participants to join in the gym.

Teaching Native American culture

At Saturday's event, Brock called out different groups, such as "tiny tots," to join dances in the Kelso High School gym.

Dion Henderson, of Portland, helped lead the host drum with James Thinn, also of Portland, in the group Turquoise Pride.

Henderson said the powwow is a time for the community to come together.

"That doesn't happen too often in the city," he added.

This year's event also included Tahitian dancers.

Brock said attendees don't need a Native American background to participate, as long as they don't act like "they're in a John Ford movie."

Some Hollywood movies, such as those directed by Ford and starring actors like John Wayne, negatively depicted Native Americans, Brock explained. Events like powwows allow the community to change that perspective.

"That's one reason why we put this on because then people get to come in and see what real native dancing looks like, not what you see in a John Wayne movie," said Brock, who was born a Cherokee member.

Kelso Powwow

Autumn Fredrick, 9, of Cathlamet, dances at the 39th Annual Kelso Powwow on Saturday, May 16, at Kelso High School.

How to help

To volunteer for future events, call Mike and Sue Brock at 360-703-5892 or 360-703-5907, or email kelsochildrenpowwow@gmail.com.

Interested volunteers can also complete a form online at kelsochildrenpowwow.wixsite.com/my-site/volunteer-and-donations.

Donations can be mailed to:

Kelso Powwow Committee

℅ Linda Bonahoom

PO Box 445

Kelso, WA 98626

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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 6:38 PM.