Heidi Bunch A member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe performs a traditional dance at the Pinenut Festival in Schurz on Saturday. More photos on page 2.

Heidi Bunch
A member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe performs a traditional dance at the Pinenut Festival in Schurz on Saturday. More photos on page 2.

Traditional songs and drumming could be heard throughout Schurz during last weekend’s Pinenut Festival.

This annual event of the Walker River Paiute Tribe brings families and friends together where they share the traditions of generations past bringing the future of the tribe together for an understanding of what the Paiute people have endured, cherished or survived.

The dancers, dressed in traditional costumes also bring in elements of new, as symbols of past meet present. The old guide the young through the steps, some handing down not only their knowledge but also outfits to those who are younger. Respect is adamant, the younger hanging onto the words handed out by their elders.

Not only are members of the Walker River tribe gathering but surrounding members of other tribes come together to celebrate this event.

Besides dancing, but traditional hand games are played and a barbecue is served for those in attendance.

The blessing of the pine nuts is symbolic to the Walker River Paiutes. The pine nut is a staple food of the tribes of the Great Basin.

The gathering of people for an annual pow wow dates back before written records were kept and a tradition that is being kept alive, for young and old, to this date – in Schurz.

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