Camas Festival offers something for everyone

Weippe's Sixth Annual Camas Festival this weekend promises a little something for everyone from the 'Retreat to Weippe Fun Run/Walk' to demonstrations, music, Pony Express pick-up, silent auction and even a melodrama.

The focus this year is Sacajawea (or Sacagawea or Sakakawea) and there will be special presentations by historians and educators, RoseAnn Abramson and Amy Mossett.

Abramson, a cultural historian and educator, is the great-great-great-niece of Sacajawea through Chief Cameahwait (brother of Sacajawea) and great-great granddaughter of Chief Tendoy (son of Cameahwait last Lemhi Shoshone chief). She is Lemhi Shoshone and Bannock. She is a recognized authority on the Lemhi Shoshone cultural history and language. She was appointed by the governor to the Idaho Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee. She is also president of the Sacajawea Interpretive and Cultural Institute; Cultural Program Coordinator for tribal gatherings and events; and an educational, historical and cultural speaker at regional and national events. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a Master of Arts degree and University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Mossett is a Sacajawea researcher, scholar and consultant. She is Mandan and Hidatsa and a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota. She offered this testimony before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Treasury-General Government Appropriations discussing the Sacajawea dollar coin:

"Two hundred years ago, my ancestors lived along the Knife River near present day Stanton, ND. They lived in a Hidatsa Village called Awatixa. This was the Hidatsa village that Sakakawea called home before and after she was involved in the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 through 1806. I am pleased and honored to be here today to provide testimony on the Sakakawea dollar coin.

"For over 15 years I have researched the oral and written histories of Sakakawea and I present various aspects of my research to many audiences of all ages at many points along the Lewis and Clark Trail. People are mesmerized and fascinated with the story of Sakakawea the young woman who as teenager, a wife, and a mother embarked on an expedition which is now viewed as one of the greatest epic adventures in American History. Sakakawea's life remains a mystery in the minds of many and it is that element of mystery that makes her story so compelling. Over the years, I've studied many aspects of this young woman's life and she has become such a focal point in my life."

Activities begin Saturday, May 27 with the 7 a.m. breakfast. At 8:30 a.m. is the Fun Run/Walk Two-hundred years ago, Lewis and Clark and their party made their only retrograde march in their entire journey of 8,000 miles. Join the 'Retreat to Weippe' a three mile walk/run, or a 10K run that commemorates this bicentennial event right where it happened.

Enjoy the beautiful camas flowers in bloom, the friendly atmosphere, great exercise and fantastic post race party with awards for finishers. There is always an exciting start and often surprising characters welcoming participants back as they cross the finish line. Pick up brochures at the Weippe Library or from any Weippe business or sign up online at www.active.com.

Beginning at 9 a.m. and throughout the day, there will be arts, crafts and food vendors. There will also be demonstrations of hide tanning, rope making, flint knapping, tepee raising, Indian games, jewelry making, skills of discovery, 1805 military encampment and plant and animal information.

Programs Saturday will be:

• 9 a.m. Medicine/Tools/Food--John Fisher
• 10:30 a.m. Nez Perce Appaloosa Horses
• 11 a.m. Sacajawea/Her Story--Rose Ann Abramson
• 12:15 p.m. Captain Meriwether Lewis--Scott Mandrell
• 1:30 p.m. Sacajawea of the Lewis & Clark Expedition--Amy Mossett
• 3 p.m. Camas History ad Appreciation--Gwen Carter
• 4:30 p.m. Tales of the Expedition--Churchill Clark
• 7 p.m. Melodrama--"Return of Zorro"

Activities Sunday begin again with breakfast again at 7 a.m., followed by community worship service at 9 a.m. at the mini park. Music and entertainment will be at 10 a.m.

Programs in the Community Hall include:

• 11 a.m. Lone Woman of the Journey--Edith Cole
• 12:15 p.m. Food and Animals of the Journey--Garry Bush
• 2 p.m. Melodrama--"Return of Zorro"

At 4:30 at the Weippe Discovery Center will be Time Capsule/September Strides.

For additional information call 208-435-4362 or 208-435-4058.

Sponsors include: Idaho Governor's Lewis and Clark Trail Committee, Nez Perce National Historical Park and National Park Service.