Welcome to Standing Arrow Pow Wow

The Kootenai people, also known as the Ktunaxa or Ksanka, are an Indigenous group whose ancestral lands span southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Historically, they were semi-nomadic, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. Their language, Kutenai, is a linguistic isolate, meaning it is unrelated to any other known language. 

The Kootenai are traditionally divided into seven bands. In the United States, two bands are recognized: the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the Ksanka Band, which is part of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) on the Flathead Reservation in Montana. The Ksanka, meaning “people of the standing arrow,” primarily reside in northwestern Montana.  

A significant event in Kootenai history occurred on September 20, 1974, when the 67 remaining members of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho declared a peaceful war on the United States to protest the loss of their ancestral lands. This act led to the federal government granting them 12.5 acres of land, marking a turning point in their fight for recognition and sovereignty. 

Today, the Kootenai people continue to honor their cultural traditions and maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands, upholding the legacy of their ancestors and the Creator’s covenant to protect and steward the land for future generations.

This powwow is hosted by and for the Ksanka Band of the Kootenai Nation, one of two Lower Kootenai bands located in the United States. The Kootenai people are traditionally divided into seven bands, with the remaining five situated across the border in Canada. The Standing Arrow Powwow represents not only a reunion of families and friends but also a proud expression of Ksanka identity and sovereign cultural preservation within the broader Kootenai Nation.

The weekend-long event features traditional dance competitions, drum contests, a Royalty Competition for Miss Kootenai and Kootenai Warrior, as well as cultural exhibitions that highlight the strength and spirit of the people. In addition, there are community events such as a co-ed softball tournament, fun run, and stick game tournament, which bring people together in both celebration and friendly competition.

The Standing Arrow Powwow is more than just a cultural event—it is a gathering of resilience, pride, and unity. It provides a powerful opportunity for intergenerational learning, healing, and cross-cultural understanding, while honoring the legacy of those who laid its foundation.

Join us the third weekend of July as we dance, sing, and stand together in celebration of Ksanka heritage and the enduring strength of the Kootenai people.