Honor Day

Honor Day is a community celebration, in association with the Indigenous Studies Foundation is hosted
in the spirit of Native American Indians, and is inclusive of all people, realizing we are all essentially tribal in origin. The Honor Day Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. as people from all walks of life gather around a large cedar circle which is marked by the traditional white, red, black and yellow prayer ties, representing the four directions, North, South, East, and West. An opening prayer is spoken by an Elder as a group smudges the people gathered around the Sacred Cedar Circle, and The meaning of walking ones life in The Honor Way is briefly explained. Next, the good words, and thoughts of Leaders like yourself are shared with the people.
Each, year Honor Day celebrates another Hoop of Life. This year stands in honor of Peace, peace within ourselves, peace within our family, peace within our tribe (community), and Peace on Earth. Each person is encouraged to find one special desire within their life they can choose to stand-out in honor of. In doing so, they consciously declare to walk The Honor Way with their intention in mind.
After a two hour break for lunch, the Celebration begins with a kick-off of to a five-hour long concert featuring a variety of hot bands, native dance troupes, and traditional drumming. Time will be allotted in between each band for leaders like yourself, young people, and elders to speak.
Three extremely large tents provide shade for the elders and spectators, and a wide variety of vendors.
This year marks the twelfth year of Honor Day, which Silversong Belcourt founded in 2000. It is also the second year since her death from ovarian cancer. The impact she continues to make with her contribution to our community was acknowledged this year when she was inducted into The Northwest Women’s Hall of Fame.