Stories, symbolism and beaded shawls—the secrets of powwow regalia

In northwest Montana, amid the rolling hills and mountains of the Flathead Reservation, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes welcome visitors to their annual Arlee Esyapqeyni powwow on 4 July. Held by many North American Indigenous communities, these gatherings celebrate and share native traditions, including dancing — performed in culturally rich, thoughtfully assembled regalia.

Travel · Photographs by Tailyr Irvine · Published April 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Topics: Holidays & Traditions, Native Americans, Festivals, Folk Art, Performing Arts, Music, Cultural Conservation, Dance, Clothing, Traditions, Travel, National Geographic Traveller (UK)

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Published in the USA guide, available with the Jan/Feb 2026 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).