The tribes have approved a deal to return the Suicide Race and Indian encampment to this fall’s Omak Stampede. The Business Council voted 10-0 on April 20 to OK an agreement with the city of Omak and the Stampede that would give the tribes more say in Okanogan County’s largest celebration. The encampment and Suicide Race were canceled in August after the tribes boycotted the event. The Stampede said it lost about $52,000. The pact gives the Colvilles a bigger role in planning the Stampede, adds money to the Suicide Race purse, and allows parking on grassy fields closer to the Indian encampment. Dale Sparber, an Omak City Council member who was on the negotiating team, said he’s hopeful the council will adopt changes to the document so the agreement can become final.
