AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – The Native Jam event at Northern Quest is bringing together performers and vendors to celebrate Native culture this weekend. The event features performances by Native singers and musicians, with Tony Joe Louie among those taking the stage.
Louie, a Native performer expressed the importance of showcasing Native language and culture. “It’s really helping us take native art and music in particular to the next level,” he said. “That’s what you’re supporting if you come here, you’re supporting indigenous art and you’re supporting it to grow and to be able to catch up.”
Northern Quest has transformed with 20 Native vendors setting up booths across the casino floor. These vendors arrived on Thursday and will be present throughout the weekend, sharing their culture with the community.
Tonight’s performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., featuring three Native singers and musicians. Each performance is expected to last about an hour. Tickets for the event start at $25.
The event will culminate on Saturday with a grand finale featuring 16 dancers from across the country. These performers will showcase competitive fancy dancing on the Pend Oreille Pavilion stage, representing various tribes. Organizers describe them as some of the best pow wow dancers nationwide.
Tony Louie and Tyrone Swan, both members of the Colville Tribe, will perform together, continuing a family legacy. The two have been friends since childhood, growing up in a small town where their mothers were in a band together. Louie and Swan began performing publicly at age 16 and have since become award-winning performers.
“It’s just in the blood… there’s something in the water there,” said Louie, emphasizing the chemistry and bond they share.
