Renewal Coastal Jam & Powwow outgrows longtime home
The Renewal Coastal Jam & Powwow, held April 24–26, drew large crowds this year and marked a major transition as the powwow portion moved from its longtime home at the House of Awakened Culture to the Clearwater Casino Resort.
For years, the full event — including both the Coastal Jam and powwow — has been held at the House of Awakened Culture. But steady growth in attendance has pushed the gathering beyond the capacity of the community space.
“We just outgrew that building,” said Bearon Old Coyote, who has helped his father James Old Coyote organize the event in recent years.
This year, the event opened Friday evening with the Coastal Jam at the House of Awakened Culture, where canoe families from across the region filled the floor with song and dance.
By Saturday, the powwow portion shifted to the casino’s convention center, providing more room for dancers, spectators, and vendors. The Renewal Coastal Jam & Powwow traces its roots back decades. The Renewal Weekend was first conceived by James’ father, the late Steve Old Coyote decades ago, and now continues as family tradition celebrating the sobriety and new beginnings.
“Renewal – it’s springtime. That’s the time for change, that’s the time for renewal,” Old Coyote said. “And at the same time, it’s a celebration for sobriety — those who choose to walk that Red Road.”
The powwow blends competitive dancing with cultural celebration, creating space for community members to gather, reconnect and honor those in recovery.
“It’s one that we all look forward to every year,” Old Coyote said. “The community just gets bigger and bigger.”
Alongside the dancing, the Renewal Powwow Royalty Pageant highlighted the next generation of young leaders.
This year’s pageant featured a dozen contestants, one of the largest groups in recent memory.
“We do this because being a part of our royalty and representing the Suquamish Tribe and the powwow that we’re a part of is really important for the growth of our youth,” said pageant organizer Kali Chargualaf. “The responsibilities they get to experience and learning about the tribe and the powwow they represent — it’s important work.” Royalty serve as ambassadors throughout the year, representing the community at events, conferences and gatherings.
“They get to play a leadership role when they attend these events and wear their sash,” Chargualaf said.
“There’s many different people from different tribes in here,” she said. “They’re representing their tribes and their families too.”
After more than an hour of interviews, a three-judge panel deliberated before selecting this year’s winners.
2026-27 Renewal Royalty Winners:
- Senior Miss Renewal: Shaunie Cordero
- Senior Renewal Warrior: Dakotah Reynolds
- Junior Miss Renewal: Willow Squetimkin
- Junior Renewal Warrior: Nakotah Reynolds
- Tiny Tot Renewal Princess: Isla-lynn Ives
- Tiny Tot Renewal Warrior: Legend George
Chargualaf said the strong turnout reflects growing visibility and pride in the event.
“I actually love it,” she said. “I love that there’s a lot more visibility with the Renewal Powwow and that people are wanting to represent this powwow and wanting to represent themselves, their tribes and their families.”
Chargualaf also offered special thanks to the talented artists who created this year’s royalty regalia including:
- Crowns – Shilene George, Keenas Limon, Kailiyah Kriehble
- Warrior headbands – Janaka Old Coyote
- Sashes – Alaina Capoeman
- Drums – Bearon Old Coyote
- Rattles – Jimmy Price
Outgoing royalty were also recognized during the pageant, offering thanks to the family members, mentors and community who supported them throughout their year of service.
From a packed Coastal Jam to an expanded powwow stage, this year’s Renewal Coastal Jam & Powwow reflected both growth and continuity, honoring culture, celebrating sobriety and marking the seasonal shift into spring.
“We go from darkness into light,” Chargualaf said.
