Attendance Strong At Poplar Indian Days, Drum Contest Draws Crowds

Crowds were strong at events surrounding Poplar Indian Days Labor Day Weekend Celebration Sept. 1-3 at American Legion Park.

Contests were held across dance categories and specials were hosted by the St. Germaine family, Yolanda Parshall and family, the Two Bulls family, Connie Thompson, Owen and Miranda Gramling and others.

A $20,000 drum contest was hosted in honor of Roy Azure and his family. “My dad, Roy Azure, is the last living original member of the Badland Singers,” daughter Genevieve Poitra told the Northern Plains Independent.

“He was brought into the group when he was approximately 14 years of age. Singers Benji Grey Hawk, who gave Roy his first drum stick and informed him of the vote to bring him in as a singer and Adrian Spotted Bird Sr. adopted him as a son and little brother. The group was invited to be host drum at many powwows throughout the United States and Canada. They sang in Carnegie Hall, traveled to Santa Fe, N.M., and even Moscow, Russia. Being the last member of this prestigious singing group, the family thought it was time to honor Roy with a singing contest, feed and giveaway while he is still here to see what he means to us.”

Lance FourStar said host drum Fort Peck Sioux were steady contributors as well. “Host Drum Fort Peck Sioux, world champion singers, kept the crowd alive throughout the weekend with sing after song for grand entries, intertribals, contests, and specials. Many other drums participated in high dollar drum contests as well,” FourStar said.

Officers for the celebration included advisor Maureen Red Eagle-Dionne, flag bearer Wayne C. Two Bulls, treasurer Greg and Mary Plante, secretary Connie Thompson, lodge keeper Raymond Ogle, drum keeper Jalen Atchicho, announcers Charlie Moran and Tommy Christian. The arena directors were Raymond Olson and Ethan Three Stars.

Poplar High School grad Jillian Medicine Cloud said the event is always a good sendoff for the summer season.

“I thought the celebration was a little bigger then last year as well,” said Medicine Cloud. “I enjoyed watching all the men’s traditional specials. I feel like this weekend is always a good weekend to spend time with friends and family. Poplar Indian Days is always eventful and a nice end to summer.”

Donovan Archambault also said the celebration marks the change of seasons. “It now feels like summer is officially over and it’s always been like that, at least for me,” said Archambault. “It was a bit warm in the afternoons but all in all it was a great celebration.”

Fort Peck Tribes Chief Judge Stacie FourStar said the hot weather didn’t deter attendees. “It was a beautiful weekend packed with a variety of events,” said FourStar. “Although the weather was hot, there was a lot of participation by community members and visitors. The hard work everyone puts into celebrations is appreciated and rewarded by seeing all the smiling faces and photos.”

For questions about next year’s celebration, call Connie Thompson at 406-768--