Pow-wow brings together area dancers for fun and tradition

"La Ka Le'L Be" means gathering in Washoe, and such was the case this weekend as pretty young Indian girls danced and swayed easily with tots, elders, and men in full Indian dress at the Washoe Tribe's annual 3-day Pow-Wow.

Chairs circl

ed the auditorium and competition dancers took center stage for this event, which drew about 250 participants from 25 tribes to Carson City Indian Colony's Youth Center.

"It's a celebration, a gathering of people," organizer Lana Hicks said, noting all the dancers aren't necessarily in the competitions. Anyone is welcome to join.

"Mostly, this is fun," Washoe Tribe member Arline Wells said, noting the dances help maintain tribal traditions, and give her a chance visit with relatives and renew friendships.

Competitions are divided according to age and type. A more contemporary dance using ornately decorated shawls is called "fancy," and "jingle" uses skirts heavily adorned with bells. "Traditional" dancers wear heavily fringed leather garb, and "grass dancers" is a form primarily reserved for men and boys.

But a piece of contemporary America wedged itself in between these solidly Indian traditions: Teens gathered in small knots before vendors' booths and taco stands, and presidential hopeful Al Gore along with running mate Joe Lieberman were soundly represented: the Bush/Cheney ticket conspicuous by its absence.

Chanter Kieth Andrews, originally from Battle Mountain, travels regularly to these events.

""It makes you feel good, and makes people happy," Andrews said.