В пенитенциарной колонии штата Орегон прошел традиционный праздник пав-у для заключенных-коренных американцев

Pendleton prison pow wow ‘grounds’ the men inside Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2026 PENDLETON — Adults in custody, their families, volunteers and prison staff united in a day of celebration at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton for its annual pow wow. The prison courtyard was warm and sunny on Aug. 28, but residents would’ve been out and celebrating no matter the weather, according to Christopher James Stallard, one adult in custody. “It’s not just important for us, but our ancestors,” Gregory Eyler, Stallard’s friend and cellmate, said. Both men said they’re excited to hang out with their families, friends and community. Stallard, who’s a part of the pow wow drumming circle and color guard, said he’s passionate about being involved with his culture. “I did this on the streets too,” he said. Stallard comes from a family of drummers and singers, which helps him feel more connected when he’s participating in the pow wow. The event is not only a religious right that helps connect indigenous adults in custody with their culture but an opportunity for them to get away from the everyday life in prison. “It’s a day of being out of this place,” Geoff Seymour, another adult in custody, said. Trading out prison blues for a day Seymour wore a black and blue ribbon shirt over his regular mandated outfit, blue shirt and jeans. The shirt, in addition to being representative of his culture, helped Seymour feel free. Other inmates also wore ribbon shirts, decorated moccasins and jewelry. Residents usually have to keep their medicine bags under their clothing while incarcerated, but wore them proudly around their necks at the pow wow. Wacho Lilbear Pratt, an inmate on the Pow Wow Committee, displayed his colorful ribbon shirt and beaded medallion that glinted in the sun. He wore his grandfather’s feather, tied onto the loops of his jeans. Getting to wear his cultural clothing is “everything” to Pratt. “It breaks us out of the normality of incarceration,” he said. Pratt’s wife lives in Australia and wasn’t able to make this year’s celebration. He wasn’t alone, though. Elizabeth Pratt, his mother, flew in the day before from Pittsburgh. Her own outfit was completely last minute. All of her jewelry was handmade, and her colorful patterned skirt was bought just the night before from the Osage Nation. Elizabeth, who lost her brother and father, said celebrating their shared culture with her son is special. “My culture is my life,” she said. Pratt said they were most excited about the food for lunch. In Native culture, the First Foods are the sacred foods first introduced to the world. Salmon, deer, elk, berries, beans and roots are among the traditional foods. First Foods for lunch The Oregon Department of Corrections and Red Lodge Transition Services, a nonprofit organization, coordinated the lunch. Bryan Clark, assistant superintendent of special housing at EOCI, said the nonprofit works with local tribes and families to receive food donations for the pow wow. Deer, fish, elk and bison are often donated. Volunteers and adults in custody work together to prepare and serve the food. Adults in custody also have a role in providing food for lunch. Brett Lloyd is not Native, but received an invite to the pow wow because of his involvement in growing food for the event. His mother donated $400 worth of squash, corn and beans seeds Lloyd grew and cultivated as a part of the prison’s gardening program. Ruth Lloyd recently died. Lloyd said being invited to the pow wow and getting to see others eat and appreciate the food his mother helped provide was a special moment. The courtyard where the pow wow took place was next to the greenhouse, where Lloyd pointed out different vegetable growth behind a chainlink fence. “Every time I’m around these plants, I feel like I’m around her,” he said. Before celebrations began, Pratt took to the microphone to thank Lloyd and his mother for their donation and work in providing the food. After a blessing, a long line formed for attendees to fill up their plate. Salmon from the Columbia River, elk meat, berry soup, vegetable roots, corn, beans and fry bread were among the foods people chowed down. Near the table of food was another table full of artwork and jewelry adults in custody created. Pratt taught some of the guys how to bead and create their own jewelry, which were on the table alongside paintings for everyone to view. Pratt’s mother took home a pair of beaded earrings, which her own son had crafted. Providing connection in incarceration Leslie Halbert, executive support specialist to the prison’s superintendent, attended the event for her 10th year as a staff member. Before the pow wow, Halbert said there’s always growing anticipation among residents, who work on their artwork and beading for hours. There’s a noticeable energy shift among residents when their families visit and bring their regalia to wear during the pow wow, she said. Residents feel more confident and get a sense of normalcy. “It’s one of the most important events,” she said. “It’s a joy to be a part of.” Adult-in-custody Souner Crain agreed the pow wow helps residents feel normal for a day. It was his first year attending the prison’s pow wow. He said it was refreshing to get away. Being able to connect with his tribe, ancestors and family while incarcerated was a rare and special experience. “It grounds us and makes me feel human,” Crain said. “We get to soar for a little.”