February 2nd, 2015 Last Updated on: February 2nd, 2015
One of the largest outdoor pow wows in the Northwest was canceled via press release this past Friday. According to The Spokesman-Review, the Julyamsh Pow Wow, held annually at Greyhound Park in Post Falls, Idaho, was canceled due to a recent “instant racing” controversy. It's said that slot-style instant racing machines, which allow people to wager on horse races for a quarter or more, were to blame for the cancellation. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe was one of four tribes to approach the Idaho governor about banning the machines saying that are outlawed under Idaho Constitution.
Photo via The Spokesman-Review
Will there be any plans to move the pow wow to a new location?
Dave Matheson, CEO of the casino, said in the news release that the tribe hoped to hold the event on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation, but “the lack of space outdoors and infrastructure necessary to conduct it, are given as reasons for the cancellation.”
“All of us here are deeply thankful for the support we’ve received from the Post Falls community and beyond,” the news release said. ” We don’t want to close the door to restoring Julyamsh in the future, but we will not be staging it this year.”
What do you guys think about the decision? How will this affect your plans for the pow wow trail this year?
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Please do something!!! If this pow wow does not happen it is only the beginning of the end. We have got to find away to make this event happen even if we gather in the parking lot. I don’t know what else to say but I beg you to do something.
Our elders and tribal leaders have advised us not to become dependent on Casino’s as a source of everlasting revenue. I believe their words are coming to pass….