Native American Cultural Encampments
Our Philosophy
What is a cultural encampment?
Cultural encampment is a group of Native Americans from different parts of the United States coming together, making village-type settings with tipis and tents. We share our individual cultures and traditional information with the community.
Many moons ago, traveling through an area, you might see groups of tipis or tents for a short time in each area. There were there to gather together, trade or meet family members and to celebrate life by having a big feast as they traveled from one area to another.
Activities
See our schedule on site for daily activities.
- Craft classes, materials provided
- Pow-Wow style dancing, including a dance where anyone can participate
- Shopping at booths
- Raffle – Many great prizes to win!
- Field activities such as atlatl throwing
- Explore nature nearby at the river and park grounds
- Lunchtime feast on Sunday, all are welcome
Activities
See our schedule on site for daily activities.
- Craft classes, materials provided
- Pow-Wow style dancing, including a dance where anyone can participate
- Shopping at booths
- Raffle – Many great prizes to win!
- Field activities such as atlatl throwing
- Explore nature nearby at the river and park grounds
- Lunchtime feast on Sunday, all are welcome
What to Expect
We welcome anyone to come to our encampments. If you need any accommodations please let us know. All ages are welcome and we do not discriminate. The encampments feature culture from many different tribes; they are not just Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. We welcome our friends from other tribes to participate. Our feast on Sunday is free of charge and elders are served first. We usually provide a Native themed food spread such as fry bread tacos or similar.
Many of our friends and family that come to this camp stay overnight. While the public is invited to the main day-time activities, camping is by invitation only. Each park will have camping spots you can reserve in advance if you choose (except Roaring River County Park.)
New to Native culture? We are happy to share our culture with you and answer your questions. Please follow our guidelines and treat everyone with kindness and respect at our events. Please keep pets leashed and clean up after them. These are alcohol and drug free events. Please park in designated spaces only.
Hiya Masi! (Thank you)
Veterans are honored at our encampments and in our special dances.
These events are made possible by the Linn County Parks and our partners, the Native American Cultural Association of Oregon.
Sample Daily Schedule at the Encampments
10 – 10:30am WELCOME
It is important for us to introduce ourselves and welcome you to our camp. We will have things on display and items for sale from 10am to 6pm.
11am – 1pm CRAFT CLASSES
During the day we will have a craft class you can participate in. Instructors will help you complete your item by the end of the session. Classes are free.
1pm – 4pm NATIVE DANCING DEMONSTRATION/ FLUTE
Join us in the afternoons (Saturday and Sunday) for Native traditional dancing and flute playing. Beautiful bright colors moving in the breeze, feathers flowing in the air, the heartbeat of Mother Earth, voices singing and prayers in every step. Raffle tickets will be on sale for various items you can win.
4pm – 6pm FEAST (Sunday)
We welcome all our new friends to eat with us, to thank you for coming out and sharing our traditions and culture with us.
EVENING PRAYER
Please join us in a prayer as we end the day.
Previous Years’ Craft Classes
Paint your own flute (reused pvc pipe)
Native style animal masks on paper (color and cut)
Feathered earrings with dentalia shell
Sew a small leather pouch and fill with herbs like cedar
Kids: Make a feather fan
Making cordage from plant fibers
and more!
