Dancers of all ages were out in their finest regalia in the dance arbor July 23, 2022, during the annual Tamkaliks Celebration. This year’s event is July 21-23 in Wallowa.

WALLOWA — The Tamkaliks Celebration July 21-23 at the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland in Wallowa invites tribal members from around the Northwest to the homeland of the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce Tribe for a weekend of dancing, feasting and ceremony.

The public is invited to share in this reunion located on the Homeland property just across the bridge from downtown Wallowa. Camping and dancer registration is free and competition winners and drummers win cash prizes.

Sunday, after the Walasit service, is a friendship feast — a collaboration of First Foods like salmon, bison and elk, along with potluck dishes brought by those coming to share in the community meal. Food and craft vendors will be on-site and raffle items include a buffalo hide and Pendleton blanket, along with other fine crafts, some by local artists.

The Tamkaliks Celebration recognizes the continuing presence of the Nez Perce or Nimiipuu people in the Wallowa Valley. In 1989, Taz Conner, a descendant of Old Chief Joseph, Tuekakas, was invited by the City of Wallowa to help plan some kind of Native American festival in Wallowa.

It was decided that a friendship potluck and powwow would be the most appropriate event. Since that time, a group of local volunteers work nearly year-round to host the event and dozens more help to run the event from welcoming visitors, managing the Friendship Feast, providing medical support and maintaining the grounds.

Schedule

On Friday, July 21, the roll call at the dance arbor is at 7 p.m. followed by social dancing.

Saturday’s festivities begin with the horse procession at 9 a.m. and the Grand Entry is at 1 p.m., followed by contest and social dancing. That evening contest and social dancing begin at 7 p.m.

Sunday morning all are invited to the Walasit service at the Wallowa longhouse. At noon is the friendship feast and potluck in the dance arbor, followed by the final round of competition and social dancing at 2 p.m.

Friday and Saturday mornings are open for memorials and namings. To arrange for naming ceremonies, memorials and specials, contact the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland office at info@wallowanezperce.org or 541-886-3101.

RVs and tent camping is welcome and encouraged on the Homeland grounds. Tamkaliks is an alcohol and drug free event.

For more information visit www.wallowanezperce.org.