Editor:

On behalf of the Tamkaliks Celebration Committee, I express my humble appreciation to all those who made the 18th Annual celebration a success. Putting together this event is a nine-to-12 month process that requires the collaboration of several communities separated by mountain ranges.

There are scores of people who work behind the scenes who aren’t always acknowledged, but are vital to the celebration, and it’s a daunting task to make an inclusive list. Among those are: the citizens and merchants of Wallowa County, the Wallowa City Government, the Wallowa Band Coalition and its members, the Wallowa County Chieftain, the Umatilla Tribal Police and the Nez Perce Conservation Law Enforcement, the CUJ, Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, the Fish and Wildlife programs of the CTUIR and the Nez Perce Nation, Wildhorse Resort and Casino, Clearwater Casino, Upstream 21 Productions for sponsoring a successful drum contest, Fred Hill and Thomas Morning Owl, emcees, Nancy and Randy Minthorn, whipman and whipwoman, Fred Minthorn for providing the energy and inspiration to complete the sixth year of the Wallowa Riders’ Trail Ride from the Umatilla Reservation to the Wallowa Valley. Thanks, also, to those who made the ride: Fred and Randy Minthorn, Chris, Andy and Chaz Williams, Jo Jo and Caleb Wilson, and Clayton Johnson. Thank you to the Lookingglass Hatchery for providing a layover spot for the riders.

Great appreciation to Armand Minthorn and Marjorie Waheneka for allowing Tamkaliks to take part in the honoring of their son, Alex Minthorn and his fellow horsemen and traditionalists Wayne Tappo and Jinx Minthorn. Appreciation goes also to the drummers and leaders of the washat, who come back every year to hold the services.

A great big thanks to Esprit Graphics of Kennewick for donating the flyer and raffle tickets and to the Tamkaliks Feast Committee and all those who assisted Deborah Reth and Joe McCormack in preparing and serving the meal.

If I haven’t mentioned someone, please know that it isn’t intentional and that the Tamkaliks Committee and I appreciate each and every one of you who support this annual homecoming to the Wallowa Valley. See you at No. 19!

Brian Conner

Spokesperson

Tamkaliks Committee