Tied Together - Chewelah Chataqua and the community

By Liv Stecker

An Iroquois word that means “a bag tied in the middle” or “two moccasins tied together”, chautauqua was borrowed by American Methodists from their Native American neighbors in the late 19th century. The Chatauqua Society was formed in New York and began hosting large gatherings of people that were dedicated to the cultural, educational and spiritual enrichment of communities. Theodore Roosevelt once called the chatauqua meetings “the most American thing in America”, as throngs collected to hear lectures and teachers and entertainers of the day in large outdoor venues that would move across geographic areas to reach new audiences. Chatauqua assemblies began in 1874 and grew in vogue over the next half a century until the advent of radio and television entertainment and travel by automobile became more common place. 

In 1974, a committee of citizens in Chewelah, Washington, incorporated a non-profit group called Community Celebrations to facilitate an event to display Native American relics and artwork. The following year the group created an event they called the “Bison-tennial” to celebrate the 200th year of American Independence. The “bison-tennial” laid the groundwork at the format for the Chewelah event that has continued as a tradition for over 40 years. In 1978 the event was renamed “Chataqua”, with a spelling modification to the Native word for simplicity and pronunciation. Still focused on bringing cultural education and entertainment to the local community, Chataqua preserves the tradition started 140 years ago. 

A permanent stage was completed in Chewelah city park in the 1980s, replacing the unceremonious piano in the back of a truck that had complemented the temporary wooden platform at the first Bison-tennials. Local performers as well as acts of international renown have graced the stage, drawing thousands to the event. 

Chewelah is hosting the 2016 Chataqua from July 7-10th and featuring vendors and entertainers from all over the northwest. The Center Stage lineup includes comedian Kevin Wolfe, The Haran Dancers, The Kelly Hughes Band as the Saturday night headliner and The Sara Brown Band closing things out on Sunday afternoon. As always, the full-fledged carnival will be in operation, as well as the arts and crafts show and the best food vendors that the northwest has to offer, included Brown Boyz Hawaiian BBQ and Bombing Blue.