I was not raised in the traditional way that many young Native Americans are. The first time I went to a Pow Wow was as a young adult, I was unsure of what the traditions were, what "rules" or etiquette should be followed or even what the significance was of the different outfits (regalia) worn or dances. The following is information that I have found useful, and I thought perhaps others could make use of it as well.

Please also check out my schedule page, where I will list the shows and/or Pow Wow's that I will be attending.

A Pow Wow is a sacred gathering. Please be respectful at all times. Behave as you would at church but don't be surprised to hear lots of laughter, joking and gentle teasing. Humor is important to Native peoples because laughter is a gift from the Creator. All of life is a gift from the Creator and the Pow Wow is a celebration of that gift. Always ask permission before taking someone’s picture.

For information on Pow Wows in your area, go to one of the Pow Wow web sites I use: Either the http://www.powwows.com website or the http://www.drumhop.com website.  Use your computer keyboard to 'Copy' and 'Paste' the preceding web address in the address bar area of your computer. 

What is a Pow Wow? Pow Wow time is the Native American people's way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones. This is a time to renew thoughts of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage. There are several different stories of how the Pow Wow was started. Some believe that the war dance societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains tribes were the origin of the Pow Wow. Another belief is that when the Native Americans were forced onto reservations the government also forced them to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the town in a parade, which may be the origin of the Grand Entry.

Pow Wow singers are very important figures in the Native American culture. Without them there would be no dancing. The songs are of many varieties, from religious to war to social. As various tribes gathered together, they would share their songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With these changes came the use of "vocables" to replace the words of the old songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in vocables with no words. Yet they still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many songs are still sung in native tongue either newly composed or revivals of old songs. These songs are reminders to the Indian people of their old ways and rich heritage.

Dancers have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dancers seen at Pow Wows today are social dances which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today evolve over time, it is not a stagnant culture, but a vibrant and changing way of life.

Pow Wow's are organized by committees that work for weeks before the event. At the Pow Wow, the MC runs the events. The MC works with the Arena Director to keep the Pow Wow organized and running smoothly. These two individuals along with the committee work hard to bring the people together to dance and fellowship together in the circle.

Grand Entry: The Pow Wow begins by the Grand Entry. This is the entry of all the people entering the arena. During the Grand Entry, everyone is asked to stand as the flags are brought into the arena. The flags carried generally include the US flag, tribal flags, POW flag, and eagle staffs of various tribes present. These are usually carried by veterans. Native Americans hold the United States flag in an honored position despite the horrible treatment received from this country. The flag has a dual meaning. First it is a way to remember all of the ancestors that fought against this country. It is also the symbol of the United States which Native Americans are now a part. The flag here also reminds people of those people who have fought for this country.  Following the veterans are other important guests of the Pow Wow including tribal chiefs, Princesses, elders, and Pow Wow organizers. Next in line are the men dancers. The men are followed by the women dancers. Once everyone is in the arena, the song ends and a song is sung to honor the flag and the veterans. After a prayer, the dancing resumes, usually with a few Round Dances. After the Round Dances, intertribal dancing songs are sung and everyone dances to the beat of the drum.

Respect: The Indian Way and the Pow Wow are all about respect; respect for culture, the Creator, family, elders, veterans, children, all life, and respect for self. No drugs or alcohol are allowed under any circumstances. You may ask questions if you are not sure what to do, but generally - - if you wait and watch, you will see what to do. Please show respect during the Grand Entry, Honor Songs, and prayers by standing and removing your cap or hat. If you are elderly or disabled, it is okay to sit if you need to. During prayers, please refrain from talking.

Photographs: There may be times during a Pow Wow when it may not be appropriate to take photographs. Please honor the "No Pictures" rule during prayers or ceremonies, or at any time the announcer says so. The Master of Ceremonies will most likely announce if it is not an appropriate time to take photographs. When in doubt, ask. You may take photos of dancers for your own personal use inside the Arena. Outside of the Arena, please ask permission before you take photos of an individual dancer.

Arena: The Arena contains an area that is considered scared ground, it has been blessed and tobacco has been offered to the Creator. You should treat this area like you would a church. This is not an area where children are invited to play, nor should it be used as a cut-across or short-cut. There is no smoking inside the dance area in the Arena. No dogs are allowed, nor should you eat or drink while dancing or during prayers or Honor Songs. In the middle of the Arena are flag poles and holders for eagle feather staffs. Veterans, who are held in high regard, will bring the flags and eagle feather staffs in during Grand Entry. Veterans are honored not only for their willingness to serve and protect others, but also for their willingness to offer their lives to keep others safe. Indian people have a great and long tradition of serving in the United States military. Also inside the Arena, usually along the outside perimeter of the area, you may see bleachers. There may also be rows of chairs or blankets set upon the ground in front of the bleachers. Please do not disturb these. You may bring your own lawn chair if you wish, but please be considerate of others, particularly the dancers and singers. Do not sit between a drum group and the center of the Arena. Do not sit on areas of the bleachers where blankets have been placed. If you wish to, you may come early and reserve a space with your blanket. The area in the Announcer's Stand is reserved for Elders and those who are disabled. Elders are greatly esteemed in Native Cultures and should be treated with dignity and respect. They have lived their lives, learning along the way. They have much to offer us so we honor them.

Regalia: Each dancer's regalia has been handmade, and each component has personal significance. Some items may have been passed down from generation to generation, or gifted to the dancer. Do not touch a dancer's regalia, even if it has fallen. Show the dancer the fallen item and let them pick it up for themselves. Drums: Drums are sacred and have been blessed. They are the heartbeat of the people. Never touch a drum or drumsticks. Do not walk between the drum and chairs that surround it. Eagle Feather/Fallen Warrior Ceremony: No photographs during this ceremony. The Eagle flies higher than any other being and carries our prayers to the Creator and so is afforded the highest level of respect. Possession of Eagle feathers is an honor; they are usually received as a gift from a relative, spiritual teacher, or from the Eagle himself. When an Eagle feather falls to the ground, there is a special ceremony for veterans to retrieve the Fallen Warrior. Honor Songs: Sung for an individual who has passed into the Spirit World, graduated from school, received an accolade, or perhaps received an Indian name. Everyone is invited to come and pay their respects by gently shaking the hands of the family and then joining the line behind them to finish the dance around the Arena.

Giveaway: A tradition dating back hundreds of years but that continues today. When someone has been honored or has had a major event in their life, that person's family will hold a Giveaway. The Master of Ceremonies will announce the purpose of the Giveaway and then gifts will be given to the people. Families accumulate items for a Giveaway for an entire year. Items may include simple everyday items, blankets and star quilts. Special items are given to individuals who have helped the family. Visitors are sometimes given gifts. It is considered impolite to refuse a gift if given. It is generally followed by a thank-you song and dance.

Naming Ceremony: No photographs. Families sometimes give a spiritual or "Indian" name to an individual. A spiritual leader or respected elder performs this ceremony and usually a Giveaway and Honor Song follow.

DANCES:
There are many types of dancing, with categories divided by age and gender. When the announcer cries out to "Clear the Arena" it is time for competitive dancing. Dancers are judged in three major areas: 1-The dancer's knowledge and skills with the specific moves of their category; 2-how well they keep time with the drum and start & stop on the right beat; and 3-their regalia. Each dancer creates his or her own regalia or has it made for them through many hours of hard work. Some items may be passed from one generation to the next and so may be very old. Since they are so special, please do not touch any part of a dancer's regalia without permission. Missing a beat or dropping a part of their regalia is a deduction. There is no judging during Intertribals. Intertribal: You may dance in the Arena during an Intertribal even if you are not wearing regalia. Walk in time with the beat and watch others around you to see what they do. Always be mindful of others, it is considered impolite to show off or horse around.

Fancy Feather: Fancy Feather dancing is performed by men and boys and has its origin in the old war dances. Regalia is usually bright, colorful and elaborate and includes two long, fringed back bustles, a head roach (a feathered porcupine headdress), decorated yokes and breechcloths, anklets, ankle sheep bells, moccasins, and arm bands. The dance steps are fast, intricate movements which include twisting, leaping, twirling, splits, footwork, and acrobatics. Dance sticks are carried and twirled during this high energy dance.

Grass Dance:  This dance is very old, dating back to the days of the camp circle when Grass Dancers were the first to dance after moving camp, they danced to introduce the people to the earth in that new geographic area. They prepared the earth in a good way for the people to follow and for other dancers. The movements of this dancer represent the flow of prairie grass in the wind. Grass Dancers wear long flowing fringe of yarn or ribbons to represent the grass, a yoke, breechcloth, a roach headdress, fringed anklets, ankle bells, bead work and moccasins. They shake and sway like the grass in the wind while their feet perform a variety of slides, hops, and other moves.

Traditional: 
Male Traditional Dancers may wear bead work, a breastplate, a back bustle made of eagle or hawk feathers, matching round arm bands, ankle bells, a breechcloth, choker, a head roach, leggings, and moccasins. Some regalia may include pieces of fur or bones from animals. Dance movements include active head movements re-enacting warriors searching the ground for tracks of enemies or prey. Often described as a "proud rooster," the dancer moves with his chest thrown out, head high in a proud demeanor while performing special footwork. Dancers may carry a fan, dance stick, whistle or hoop, and may wear face paint.
Female Traditional Dancers wear buckskin or cloth ankle-length or mid-calf dresses, sometimes decorated with elk teeth or dentalium shells. Regalia includes a knee-length breastplate, leggings, brass tack or leather belt, other braid wraps, and moccasins. Dancers may carry a long fringed shawl, fan, or bag. Dance movements are dignified and graceful and are characterized by the swaying of the fringe. Dancers usually wear a fully beaded yoke or cape and may stay in one spot, bobbing gently up and down and turning their feet to the side on designated beats.

Fancy Shawl: Fancy Shawl dancers are women and girls who usually wear colorful, elaborate regalia with a calf-length skirt and a beaded or sequined cape. A long fringed shawl is worn over the shoulders and held out at the elbows. Regalia may include beaded belts, hairpieces, braid wraps, leggings, and moccasins. Movements include fine footwork and fast spins, meant to mimic a joyful butterfly.

Jingle Dress:  Jingle Dress dancers are females who wear cloth dresses made with tin cones. The cones are made out of chewing tobacco can lids. Dance movements include a straight posture, up and down motions, and hopping or rocking with the feet moving in a shuffle. Arms are bent at the elbows, one or both hands on the hips or carrying a scarf, fan, or purse. On honor beats, the fan is raised proudly in the air. No shawl is worn.

Golden Age: Golden Age dancers, those sixty and older, can dance any style and can compete in the Golden Age category as well as in their dance style category. Elders are held in high regard. They have learned along the way as they have lived their lives and gladly share wisdom and insight with others. Dancers who are elders are especially looked after and honored for who they are. They are served first at mealtime and have a special seating area in the Arena.

Tiny Tots:  All children aged five and under in regalia are invited to dance, either by themselves or with a parent, sibling, or relative. Each dancer is given a small gift, after each session's Tiny Tot exhibition dance.

Other Dances
Crow Hop - a dance where the dancer mimics a crow hopping around on the ground.
Sneak-Up - a dance of the Great Plains, generally done as part of the Grand Entry or for male traditional dancers. The movements resemble a warrior moving from rock to bush sneaking up on, scouting, and battling the enemy.
Team Dance - teams of four dancers, ages 18 and up, from the same category compete against other teams. The dancers synchronize their movements within their teams, teams are divided into men's teams and women's teams.