Over the weekend, the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation announced via their website that their annual Seafair Powwow would not take place this year. Apparently the result of budgetary shortfall, the last-minute cancellation (it was scheduled to take place this coming weekend) marks the second time in three years that the plug has had to be pulled on the festivities.

Held during the Seafair season at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park, the Powwow "averages 400 - 600 dancers in full regalia, 25 drum groups, and 10,000 spectators which come to celebrate the richness of the Native American culture," according to Seafair's website. If there is a silver lining, it's that the Powwow was able to bounce back in 2013 after a experiencing a similar situation in 2012, and the UIATF sounds optimistic about a return in 2015.

Full press release and a video made by Pearl Dragon of Champagne Champagne and our own Kelly O from the 2007 Powwow after the jump.

To: United Indians Community

From: UIATF Board and Staff

Re: 2014 Seafair Indian Days Powwow Cancelled

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the UIATF Board and staff, we regret to inform our United Indians community that the 2014 Seafair Powwow will not be held this year. After careful consideration of many factors we have determined that United Indians does not have the capacity or resources to host the event this year.

This past year we have been addressing our challenging financial situation and we have worked hard to stabilize our operations and their budgets. We still have to manage our cash flow carefully. Our staff capacity is about one half of what it was last year when we still had our Head Start Program. We feel that stretching our limited resources now could put the United Indians programs at risk again.

We express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the community members who stepped forward with a generous and positive offer to help with the organizing of the Powwow. Their passion for our culture and creativity are inspiring. Although we won't be having the Powwow this year, we look forward to working on future events with these volunteers and other community members. We are hopeful that next year we will be in a stronger financial position to resume hosting this culturally important event for our community.

We have taken great pride in organizing our Seafair Powwow. It is truly our gift to the community. We take this responsibility seriously and we will soon begin planning for the 2015 Seafair Powwow. We hope to see many of you on the powwow highway.

Sincerely,

The Board and Staff of United Indians Of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF)