By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

Incredibly vibrant Native American dance costumes were part of this years veterans pow-wow behind the Paiute Tribal Enterprises off I-15. Photo by Mike Donahue.

In a vibrant and poignantly beautiful colorful display, more than 140 Native American dancers participated last weekend in the 20th Annual Veterans Day Pow-Wow that was dedicated this year to Leroy Spotted Eagle, a long-time spiritual leader of the Southern Paiutes who died in August.

A U.S. Marine, 1969-72, Spotted Eagle was a tribal elder who was an essential part of the Southern Paiutes Veterans Association (SOPVA), said Dalton Tom, a member of the Moapa Band of Paiutes and close associate of Spotted Eagle in the SOPVA.

“Leroy was a very big part of our organization and we’re going to miss him,” Tom said. “To honor his memory, his contributions to Native Americans and his involvement with the SOPVA we’re dedicating this year’s annual pow-wow to him.”

Lucy, Spotted Eagle’s widow, who is an integral part in setting up the veterans pow-wow every year, was on hand with other family members during an early ceremony paying tribute to the spiritual guide.

This is the third year the pow-wow was held at the Moapa Paiute Veterans Park behind the travel plaza of I-15.

Richard Vigil, who carried the eagle staff, led the grand entry followed by a color guard that included Dalton Tom, rifleman; Harland Bow, carrying the U.S. flag; Tim Rogers, carrying the Marine colors; Elmer Mayo, carrying the MIA-POW flag; David Lee carrying the Army flag, and Ralph Pete, carrying the Navy colors.

Vigil, who opened the ceremony, urged participants, spectators and others to remember Spotted Eagle by emulating his good work.

Some 141 dancers, from toddler to grandparent, dressed in magnificent, brilliant finery filled the dance arena as they filed in for the opening event.

Thousands of dollars in prize money were awarded in several categories that included iron man and iron woman, junior girls, junior boys, teen boys, teen girls, a men’s division, women’s division and golden age.

Pete DeSantis, manager of the nearby Tribal Enterprise Store and facility, said the pow-wow is unique event that “combines culture with commerce.”

“We get a lot of activity during the pow-wow,” he said. “We’ve got our holiday items out now and while we are still heavily focused on authentic Native crafts, we expect to do well with other items during the pow-wow.”

Val Shadowhawk, Cree/Blackfeet, of Sacramento was the event emcee; Rick Gray, Navajo, of Kayenta, AZ, was head gourd dancer, and Charley Bullets, Southern Paiute from Kaibab, AZ was arena director.

Southern host drum was Southern Soul from Kayenta, and northern host drum was out of Northern California.