Round Dance Brings Community Together
by Cole Goodwin
People gathered to raise awareness of missing and murdered indigenous people and promote healing at The Columbia River Round Dance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women on Friday, May 5th, 2023, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wahtonka Community School in The Dalles, Oregon.
The round dance is a slow-moving, circular dance that originated from the Cree First Nations and was used in healing ceremonies. In modern times, it has been used in healing and to promote community and togetherness. The event was open to all members of the community, including allies and indigenous people. Attendees were encouraged to wear red for the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.
The event was free to attend, and the first 150 guests received a free t-shirt designed by Speakthunder Art. The Black Lodge Singers, Iksiks Washana’lama’’ (Little Swans Dancers), guest speakers from Warm Springs, Yakama, and Umatilla, vendors such as indigenous artists, businesses, resource tables, round dancing, and a community dinner catered by Quartz Creek Concessions were some of the highlights of the event. MC Macky Begay and Stickman Gavin Begay ran the event, and Charlieann Herkshan was the event coordinator.
Charlieann Herkshan, event co-ordinator Tribal Crime Victims Advocate, for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Police Department was present and offered information on how tribal members can access crime victim services.
Overall the Columbia River Round Dance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women successfully drew hundreds of people to honor missing and murdered indigenous people, raise awareness, and promote healing.
