Oregon Public Broadcasting

Fourth of July weekend is traditionally a big time for powwows in the Northwest.

Dancers and drummers will be showing up in force at reservations across the region.

John Bevis is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation in northeast Oregon. He's been dancing in powwows for 40 years.

He says Native Americans have historically scheduled the events for the Fourth of July, in a nod to traditional restrictions.

John Bevis: "There was a time in all tribal history where your singing, your dancing and all of that was forbidden by law. And things we take for granted today, my great grandparents probably cherished. That's probably why I enjoy it so much. Because we get to do something that they were denied, and we do it in their memory."

Bevis says in the 1980s a top prize at a powwow was about $500. Now, with many casinos promoting the events, top prizes can be nearly $2000.