o What: Native American Powwow, an annual gathering of local and regional members; public welcome.
o Where: Covington Middle School, 11200 N.E. Rosewood Road.
o When: 1-10 p.m. March 5.
o Cost: Free.
Koda-Wataka Robinson, a 16-year-old Camas High School junior, said he was honored to be chosen as the head male dancer at Clark County’s annual powwow.
Honored, though, is only the half of it. Overjoyed fills out the rest of the equation.
Robinson says he will dance with his ailing father, Billy Robinson, and in remembrance of his recently deceased grandmother, Diane Randall.
“When I dance, I dance for my grandma,” said Robinson, a member of the Yakama Nation. “It always made her happy. That makes me happy.”
It’s icing on the cake for Robinson that his dad will dance with him during at least one performance March 5 at the powwow at Covington Middle School in the Orchards neighborhood.
The popular free event runs from 1 to 10 p.m., with a dinner break at about 5 p.m. It’s a colorful blend of dancing and drumming, with traditional foods and other items for sale. The event is expected to draw a thousand people or more.
Robinson said his dad is battling medical ailments that have affected his kidneys and his brain.
“My dad wants to dress down and dance with me,” Robinson said. “This may be his last time. He hasn’t danced with me since I was a kid.”
The event is organized by the Native American Education Program that includes the Evergreen, Vancouver and Battle Ground school districts. Those districts are sponsors of the event.
High points of the Covington powwow are the two grand entrances of Native American dignitaries, with full regalia and flags. They will open each session, at 1 and 6 p.m.
The event will also feature special performances of the color guard, drummers and dance demonstrations.
Three-time champion
Robinson and the head female dancer, 16-year-old Miranda Taylor of Union High School, will be the first to perform the Owl and Round dances.
Robinson has been dancing since he was 3. He’s a three-time champion of a national Native American dance competition.
It’s tradition, he said, when a relative dies to abstain for a year from all activities that feature elements of celebration. You cut your hair, he said. You mourn.
However, Robinson was released from his mourning following Randall’s death because that’s what she requested.
His grandma wanted him to dance.
Included among the regalia Robinson plans to wear are a beaded outfit, headdress and an eagle vessel given to him by his grandmother. He explained the significance of dancing to his culture: “When we dance, it’s like our church. You pray for different things when you dance.”
It’s easy to figure out the two people for whom Robinson will be praying.
