Powwow

A Pan-Indian Celebration

By: Tina Lo

What is a Powwow?

An American Indian inter-tribal gathering, focused on dancing, singing, and family celebration Native American people's way of meeting together, visiting, renewing old friendships and make new ones. A time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage.

Origins/History

Powwows today were largely influenced by Indians of the Great Plains in the 1800s In the old days, Indians would gather at various times of the year to hunt, plant, gather, and celebrate Gather together to renew family, clan, and tribal ties Form social and political alliances Celebrate victories Practice religious and spiritual ceremonies Courtship and agreement on marriages

Importance of Powwow in todays culture:

The contemporary powwow provides an opportunity for people to celebrate their identification with Indian culture and have become pan-Indian and inter-tribal expressions of pride. Society has inaccurate images of American Indians, thus Powwows help guide non-Indian people toward understanding and appreciation of varied aspects of Native American culture.

How is a Powwow organized?

Held by one band or tribe to welcome and honor other bands or tribes Organized by Powwow committee, dedicated members of host tribe Usually three day weekend events All peoples are invited, Indian and non-Indian Event is run by the Master of Ceremonies and Arena directors

How is a Powwow organized (contd)

Master of Ceremonies provides the announcements and background information on the dances, rituals, and spirit of the Powwow

Arena directors manages the flow of activity in the arena and organizes the dancers and drummers. Judges are responsible for judging regalia, dancing, and drumming

Types of Powwows

Several different types

2 most common types are:

Traditional Powwows

Competition Powwows

Traditional Powwows

Everyone who participates in dancing or singing is awarded day money Informal but has some degree of competition Also contains ceremonies such as honorings, giveaways, first dances, and adoptions

Competition Powwows

Has significant prize money for dancers Everyone can participate in competition but only the dancers that place at the top of the competition wins the prize money

Drum groups can also compete for prize money

The Grand Entry

Powwow begins with the Grand Entry Spectators are asked to rise as the flags and eagle staffs of host and guest tribes are brought in the arena Eagle staffs and flags represent nations, families, and communities

Drums begin the Grand Entry song with chief/tribal leader of host tribe and visiting leaders entering the arena, leading a procession

The Grand Entry (contd)

The Procession consists of :

Honored members and color guard of veterans Elected royalty, chosen to represent their community Male dancers Female dancers Teenage boys Teenage girls Young kids

The Grand Entry (contd)

Procession goes into circles until all the dancers are inside the arena Drumming ends when arena is filled with all the dancers dancing in their grand regalia Ends with dancers in the center of circle, followed by prayer song and a honoring song for veterans Judging of regalia, dancers, drummers begin after

Important Aspects of a Powwow

Community, Family, and Spirituality Veterans The Drum Songs Dances Regalia

Powwow Etiquette

Bring your own seating or you can stand Do not sit on benches around arena-reserved for dancers Ask permission before taking pictures of dancers Donate money to the drum during Blanket Dance

Powwow Etiquette (contd)

Always stand during special songs Always listen to the MC (Master of Ceremonies)-they give you all the information! Remember that you are a guest and that you are welcomed

Additional Tips

Be respectful and friendly Go with an open mind Do not be afraid to ask questions (The Arena Director or MC are great people to ask!) Sobriety is important! Most importantly is to have fun and interact!

READ ME : )

We dont want your rations, we want this dance By: Clyde Ellis -shows evolution of this important cultural form -importance of song and dance in Indian cultural identity -discusses Indian ethnocide

Links/References

http://www.csulb.edu/~aisstudy/powwow/ http://www.ewebtribe.com/NACulture/powwows.htm

http://www.tpt.org/powwow/index.html
http://www.powwows.com/ http://spirit.dos.uci.edu/aisa/Welcome.htm