Since 1898 the Jocko Valley north of Missoula has hosted a celebration during the week of the Fourth of July. The timing is no coincidence. In the late nineteenth century tribes in the area were banned from performing many of their ceremonies, so tribe leaders proposed a July 4th celebration thinking it may allow them to continue their traditions.
Credit Justin Steck
It did. The 115th Arlee Celebration was held from July 3rd to July 7th in Arlee and brought together families and friends from across North America. Reporter Justin Steck spent a day at the powwow and shares some voices from the event.