Chemawa School Prepares for Spring Pow-Wow

An opportunity to support the Native American Youth groups at Chemawa Indian School happens May 5th and 6th.

(SALEM) - One of the most historic institutions in the Salem/Keizer area, the Chemawa Indian School, is preparing for its 122nd Spring Pow-Wow which will be held in early May. Organizers like Crystal Boyd of the Chemawa School, say it is a fun time for all, `We are very excited. We expect around a thousand people, there are 440 students at the school alone."

In its third century, the The Chemawa Indian School educates thousands of Native American students from different tribes throughout the United States.

At one time, football teams from Chemawa competed regularly with Oregon University teams. Among other recent improvements, the school's athletic field has been restored by volunteer efforts from Law Enforcement for Youth.

The Pow-Wow includes crafts, food and performances all day. Boyd says another fun event at the Pow-Wow is the Miss Chemawa Pageant. `Plus, the invited royalty from the surrounding tribes, and we have veteran color guards from the Sisston Wahpton Sioux Tribe"

The Chemawa Indian School Pow-Wow will be held in the School Gymnasium, at 3700 Chemawa Rd NE just east of the Keizer exit. Admission is free; hours are May 5th from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and May 6th, from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM.