Pow Wow photo exhibit to open at Idaho Museum of Natural History

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - The Idaho Museum of Natural History at Idaho State University in Pocatello will open Pow Wow Dancers of the Wind River photo exhibition by Dr. Jeb Schenck onSept. 10.

The project is 10 years in the making and is still ongoing. The exhibit features unposed images of indigenous dancers with explanations in their own words of the dances or their backgrounds. Many dancers are from Wyoming, Rocky Mountain region, and Canada.

“These folks are literally our neighbors and here is an opportunity for non-natives to gain more understanding. Many of the dancers have become friends and have helped me learn about them. This is one of several ways I wanted to give something back. To help celebrate and honor their culture," he said. "Their dancing helps to continue their culture and many sacred practices, and these photographs document a part of their culture.”

Schenck taught for 42 years in the Wyoming public schools and for University of Wyoming’s College of Education. He is a consultant and workshop leader in neuro-education, a substitute teacher, an author, and the operator of Schenck Photography. In addition, he is Vice-Chair of the Big Horn Basin Nature and Discovery Center and past co-chair for Smoking Waters Art Guild.

The exhibit is made possible by the generous contribution of Bob and Pam Kennedy.