Clara Keller Honored During 2026 Canyonville Pioneer Days

Clara Keller (left) with her daughter Joanne Tait at the 2026 Pioneer Days Queens Court

Tribal Elder Clara Keller was appointed to the Canyonville Pioneer Days Queens Court on August 27 as part of the Pioneer Days festivities. The Queens Court is a special way to honor women ages 60 and older who have been a part of the community near Canyonville for more than 50 years. She was escorted by her daughter, Joanne Tait.

This is particularly special for the two women, as Keller’s mother, Emaline Lerwill Young, received this same honor during the 1974 Pioneer Days event, and was also escorted by Tait (then Joanne Hill) on that occasion.

The Seven Feathers Trolley carried this year’s new Pioneer Days Queens in the parade, and Tribal members joined in the festivities with drumming, a cultural booth, and more.

Emaline Lerwill Young (third from the left) rides on the 1974 Pioneer Days Queens Court parade float