Flagstaff Pow-Wow

Flagstaff is the hub of the great Enchanted Circle of Northern Arizona, where, within a radius of some fifty miles, there are probably more spectacular natural wonders and areas of scenic beauty than can be found in any similar area. To this alluring region, from the Grand Canyon country, from Navajoland and the Painted Desert, the Hopi Villages of Arizona and the Pueblos of New Mexico, from the desert lands of Southern Arizona, the Colorado River country and the rangelands of the Apaches; soon the long trek will again be under way by several thousand Indians of numerous tribes. They will be on their way to Flagstaff and the All-Indian Pow-Wow, an annual affair of great importance to the Indians of the Southwest. The Pow-Wow will be held this year on July 3 and 4. The pine-clad hills surrounding Flagstaff will again be transformed into a huge camp for the Pow-Wow, which combines business and pleasure, bazaar and festival for the Indians-delightful entertainment for the white visitors. Visitors descend upon the city and mingle with the Indians, attend their rodeo in the afternoons, and the spectacular ceremonial dances in the evenings. The rodeo is a non-professional show, although the Indians who participate practically live on their horses and their rid-ing ability is matched with very fast time in bull-dogging, calf roping and other events of this truly western sport.

The ceremonial dances held during the evening are authentic and most colorful. Lighted by the glow of many campfires, the effect is awe-inspiring and long to be remembered. The split-rythm of the Indian dances seems almost magical, and the white man comes to realize why the intricacies of their every movement, the sincerity of purpose, defy exact duplication by others than the Indians themselves. The Indians are trained from early childhood by their elders and the traditions, ceremonials and rituals are handed down from generation to generation.

To give the Pow-Wow its Fourth of July flavor, a carnival spirit prevails, with various rites and the usual midway attractions, ice cream and soda pop stands. One of the delightful sights at the Pow-Wow is the fascination the merry-go-round holds for the Indians. Although they spend most of their lives riding horses, at the carnival they wait in long lines for the opportunity of riding on the wooden horses of the carousels.

On the morning of the fifth, the long trek home begins. The Indians usually load their wagons with wares purchased at the Flagstaff stores, and if they have come on horseback, as many of them do, they tie their bundles over their saddles and soon disappear over the distant hills, back to the quiet life of the reservation, where time and distance mean nothing in their everyday life-but they always return to Flagstaff when Pow-Wow time rolls around again.

Hundreds of children come to the Pow-Wow with their parents and participate in the dances and the fun. A typical Navajo camp at Flagstaff city park. Bob Fronske photo, above; Norman G. Wallace photo, below.