Jesse Tinsley/Spokesman-Review

Chiarpah Matheson is reflected in a mirror on his dancing regalia Tuesday, July 18, 2007 at the Coeur d'Alene Casino near Worley. Matheson is a Coeur d'Alene Indian and an avid powwow dancer. He will be the head man dancer at the upcoming Julyamsh powwow.

The Julyamsh Powwow is one of the largest Indian events in the region, with several hundred dancers and thousands of spectators. It is sponsored by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe at the traditional site of encampments along the Spokane River in Post Falls. As the natives of this region prepare for the gathering, Chiarpah "Sonny" Matheson talks a little about what a dancer's regalia means and then, in the second slide show, describes the general categories of dancers and how they dress. Matheson will be the head man dancer at this year's powwow, which takes place at the Coeur d'Alene Greyhound Park and Event Center in Post Falls -- Jesse Tinsley/Video Journal.

Video Journal slideshow here

Question: Have you attended Julyamsh or any other Native American powwow?

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