The Washington Department of Corrections now allows children to attend powwows and other ceremonial events at state prisons.

Up until about five years ago, minors could attend powwows at some prisons. Now they are welcome throughout the state's 12 correctional facilities thanks to a change in policy.

"It's inspiring to us that they're dancing and involved in their culture at such a young age," inmate Herbert Rice, 41, told The Seattle Times ."If I would've paid more attention to that, I wouldn't be here."

An estimated 750 Native Americans are incarcerated in the state's system although the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation believes the number is much higher.

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Children bring joy to prison powwows (The Seattle Times 5/29)