NEAH BAY — The Makah Tribe will host the 95th annual celebration of its culture and patriotism with Makah Days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This celebration spans three days with canoe races, bone games, kids’ races, royalty, a salmon bake, traditional dancing, a talent show, vendors and a fireworks show.
During Makah Days, tribe members gather and reunite with those who have since moved away. They commemorate thousands of years of the Makahs’ ancient culture and the anniversary of becoming citizens of the United States.
The tribe welcomes everyone to join them as they celebrate with neighboring tribes from Washington and First Nations members from Vancouver Island in Canada. Some family members come from Vancouver Island because they are closely related to the Nuu-chah-nulth.
The first American flag was raised in Neah Bay on Aug. 26, 1913 though it wasn’t until June 2, 1924 when all Native Americans were granted the right to vote, including the members of the Makah Tribe.
The tribe is proud of its history and culture, its origins and the contributions from its veterans to World War II, Vietnamese and Korean Wars, and other major conflicts.
The annual celebration includes a multitude of activities which honor the Makahs’ ancient culture and traditions and commemorate their history.
The tribe has scheduled a street fair, traditional canoe racing, a slahal tournament (a traditional gambling game played with bones), a softball tournament and youth field competitions.
This evening, there will be a talent show, royalty coronation and fireworks.
This evening an Saturday evening, a modern dance demonstration is planned. Traditional dance demonstrations are set for Saturday after the parade (youth) and Saturday evening (adults).
A grand parade and flag raising is slated for Saturday morning.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the tribe will host traditional salmon bakes — fish grilled on sticks over an open fire.
Sunday morning, the Bahokus Peak Challenge will take place.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/makah.days or https://makah.com/activities/makah-days.
