>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

IN FULL FEATHER: Dancer displays colorful plumage at last year's Tamkaliks Celebration. (The Observer/PHIL BULLOCK).

WALLOWA — The 14th annual Tamkaliks Celebration will be held this Friday through Sunday at the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Interpretive Center Ground just east of Wallowa on Whiskey Creek Road.

The event combines a homecoming for many Nez Perce descendants, with the opportunity for visitors to become acquainted with some of the Nez Perce culture.

In other places, similar events are called pow-wows. Tamkaliks is Nez Perce for "From where you can see the mountains." It was the name of the summer encampment at the confluence of the Lostine and Wallowa rivers.

The Tamkaliks Celebration includes traditional and contest dancing, native drumming, a "Homecoming on Horseback" entry procession and a friendship feast.

There are typically naming ceremonies and memorial ceremonies. And, there are craft and food vendors.

Dancing sessions are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, and about 1:30 p.m. Sunday after the friendship feast.

The friendship feast, scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, typically draws several hundred people.

The Tamkaliks Committee provides, salmon, buffalo and game meat. Other people attending the feast are asked to bring large portions of side dishes, salads and desserts.

The "Homecoming on Horseback" and grand entry is scheduled to begin about 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

There is no admission charge to Tamkaliks. All that is asked of visitors is that they show respect to the culture and people.

Tepee and tent camping is also free, but registration is required, and no alcohol is allowed on the Tamkaliks site.

Call the Nez Perce Interpretive Center Office at 886-3101.

There will also be a city-wide yard sale in nearby Wallowa from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.