Julyamsh As each foot touches the good earth, it is an offering. As each stick strikes the drum, it is the heartbeat of Indian Country. Through uncounted millennia, the histories, cultures and traditions of American and Canadian Indian tribes continue to thrive. The powerful life of such things is celebrated at Julyamsh. This pow wow, now in its ninth year, has grown to become the largest event of its kind in America and easily the largest outdoor pow wow in the Northwest. Thousands of dancers will participate, representing every state and province. Many thousands more, Indian and non-Indian, will converge on Post Falls, Idaho to share the vast treasure that dancers and drummers bring to the arena. Participants will, themselves, be honoring the treasure provided them by their Creator. Julyamsh is representative of historical gatherings along and at the confluences of rivers in the Northwest. Tribal lore tells us of such streams “running black with salmon,” as tribes gathered to harvest fish, trade, celebrate and renew age old friendships. As it was, it is today: All are welcome. Dances include Grass Dance, Men’s Traditional, Men’s Fancy Dance, Prairie Chicken Dance, Women’s Traditional, Women’s Jingle, Women’s Fancy and Shawl Dance. Of course, none of it is complete without the Children’s Dance, where young people under 12 bring even newer life to the whole celebration. Generous cash prizes will be awarded in all categories, as they will be for winners among the hundreds of drum groups. “We do this because it is our life,” said David Matheson, a tribal member and Chief Executive Officer of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. “We can do it on this scale because we have achieved great success and, therefore, have the human and financial resources necessary. As we enjoy our success, we remember our friends and customers. This is a way to thank them all.” And, it is a way to thank Mother Earth for all she has provided. Thus, the offerings of the dancers. Thus, the lasting heartbeat of Indian Country. Qhes p’uus—our hearts are good.