January 22, 2003--Umatilla Indian Reservation

By: Marlene


One of the many perks of being a Blazer Dancer is working at various promotions and charities. Some of those promotions or charities may call for us to travel. For example our trip to Killeen Texas at Fort Hood. Well another opportunity arose a couple of weeks ago for five dancers to do a promotion for the Wildhorse casino in Pendleton Oregon.

Carry, who was our contact person for the Blazers picked us up in a Ford Expedition. Like most women do, we all over packed and looked like we were going away for a week instead of just one day. The expedition was so packed that we could barely move. Carry, who also drove us there, must have done this before because he had a case of water ready for us, a BOX of assorted candies, and a TUB of Red Vines. He either knew the way to our hearts, or he just wanted to keep us quiet for the next 3-4 hours.

The ride was great! For me personally, I have never been to Pendleton before, so it was a great experience. On the way to Wildhorse, we were told that we would be stopping at the Umatilla Army Base to sign some posters for the troops there. It was a nice experience since in less then a month our whole dance team will be going to Fort Hood to perform for the troops.

The soldiers were primarily from Texas (ironically) and so we spent some time talking about our trip to Fort Hood. We signed posters and took tons of pictures. It was nice to know that we brightened up their day by just being there.

After holding some guns and wearing some Army Gear, it was off in the expedition again for the rest of our journey which was only about a half hour away. Once we arrived there we were treated like Queens. They immediately gave us rooms (hotel rooms) and we got ready and was sent out to the casino to sign posters. People came from all over to see us. We were even in their monthly newspaper a week prior, and will be in their next edition as well.

We were given our own security guard and were constantly served with water or pop and any food we wanted which is always a bonus. We took pictures with babies, workers from the casino, and even big lottery winners. They treated us like STARS!

Above all, what I liked most about the trip was the fact that I too am of an American Indian decent. Unfortunately I don’t know much about that culture and I have been so eager to learn. Their culture is so beautiful and full of life. They take pride in what the Wildhorse Casino is doing for their people’s economy. I had the opportunity to speak with both of our security guards in some length, who were both Indian, about their culture, and I felt so honored to be there. One security guard named Kim gave each of us a beautiful card that had some Indian art on it. It was amazing! They also have a museum there that gives you the history of their people, and how they came to be.

I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to both the Umatilla Army Base and the Wildhorse casino. The trip reminded me of all the different nationalities that I have within myself, and how rich each one is in culture. Sometimes a simple trip like this keeps you grounded and makes you appreciate the spirit of CULTURE and who you are.