Oregon’s Indigenous veterans honored at powwow in Salem
School Information
Guy Schultz has participated in many veterans powwows, usually in the honor guard, having served in the U.S. Army in the 1970s.
But until this weekend, Schultz had never before carried the Eagle Staff, a large wooden staff covered in eagle feathers. It’s a sacred emblem of seniority among Indigenous service members and is featured at all powwows.
Schultz held the staff in front of him as he led the Grand Entry at the Chemawa Indian School’s Veterans Powwow on Saturday.
“I was very honored for it,” Schultz said afterwards with tears in his eyes. “I’m still touched about it.”
Schultz, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, was one of many veterans at the annual event open to the public, complete with dancing, food and many vendors.
