Atsa' Butte powwow carries on dad's tradition
By Diego James Robles
Special to the Times
WHITEROCK, N.M., July 5, 2012
(Special to the Times - Diego James Robles)
FIRST FROM THE TOP:Dancers enter the powwow circle during grand entry on Saturday, June 30, during the Atsa' Butte Roughin' it on the Rez Powwow, in Whiterock, N.M.
SECOND FROM THE TOP: Dancers enter the powwow circle during grand entry on Saturday, June 30, during the Atsa' Butte Roughin' it on the Rez Powwow, in Whiterock, N.M.
THIRD FROM THE TOP: Led by head man dancer Raynaldo Robinson, dancers enter the powwow circle during grand entry on Saturday, June 30, during the Atsa' Butte Roughin' it on the Rez Powwow, in Whiterock, N.M.
FOURTH FROM THE TOP: Children play as the sun goes down at Whiterock, N.M., on Saturday, June 30, during the Atsa' Butte Roughin' it on the Rez Powwow.
FIFTH FROM THE TOP: Northern traditional dancer Thomas E. Yazzie of Jeddito, Ariz., dances on Saturday, June 30, during the Atsa' Butte Roughin' it on the Rez Powwow, in Whiterock, N.M.
T
he 9th annual Atsa' Butte Roughin' it on the Rez Powwow went without a hitch June 30 and July 1. The event was dedicated to the memory Herbert Succo Sr. and his family welcomed dancers from as far away as Jeddito, Ariz.
The powwow originally started in 2003 as a way for the Succo family to celebrate their drum group - the Atsa' Butte Singers - 10-year anniversary.
Due to popular demand and through the guidance of Succo, the small powwow thrived despite its rural setting and small cash prizes.
"We really did it just to say thank you to our friends for all their support," powwow organizer Cleevee Succo said. "After that our friends kept saying, 'You should do another and another,' and we did."
Although the family is planning a bigger powwow for next year's 10th annual celebration, this year is of special importance to the organizers and surrounding community because it marks the first year without Succo Sr.
A much loved man by his family and popular with the powwow community throughout the region, many conversations could be heard throughout the afternoon exulting his hospitality and generosity.
"It's new to have the powwow without my dad," northern traditional dancer and event organizer Ivan Succo said. "He was always here to greet anybody and he greeted them with no hesitation. There is an empty spot here this year and I know a lot of people here feel the same way."
Many dancers and spectators also appreciated the intimate setting and were happy to forgo the long trip and busy atmosphere of the Fort Duchesne powwow many of their family and friends attended.
Due to the great distance between lodging options in Gallup to the south and Farmington to the north, the Succo family welcomed more than 20 campers to their compound.
On Sunday, the local chapter house opened their showers for the visitors while the family made breakfast.
"The powwow is great because it's for celebration and get together and this is a very special occasion," said Mike Johnson, from nearby Lake Valley. "This outside stuff is how they used to do it and it's supposed to be outside because inside it's too crowded and you can't breathe."
In agreement was Kenny Fastrunner Donaghey, a Crownpoint resident and member of the popular dance troupe Native Wisdom.
"I came because my son was asked to be part of the head staff even though a lot of people I know went to Fort Duchesne," Donaghey said. "I really like these more intimate powwows because everybody is conversing with each other and not kinda just saying hi and bye and passing without saying anything."
Northern traditional dancer Thomas E. Yazzie of Jeddito, Ariz., expressed mixed emotions about attending the powwow because although he was having a good time, Succo Sr. was a friend and a large presence at these powwows for many years.
"He'll be missed," Yazzie said. "He was a friend of mine and I was asked to attend because he liked my drum group."
The Succo family said that the tradition must go on - again upon the insistence of their father.
"He was here last year but passed away the week after the eighth annual one and before he left us he kept saying, 'Don't let it go, keep it going,' and so we will," Cleevee Succo said.