About Native American Pow Wows
What is a Pow Wow?
A Pow Wow is a gathering of the First Nation, indigenous, and non-native people to socialize, dance, and honor our culture. For many, Pow Wows are a way for our community to gather with family and friends to enjoy and celebrate our life and culture. Pow Wows can also be a healing and spiritual event as some dancers may pray during dancing, or drummers may sing a song meant to heal our people and those present.
Etiquette
Everyone is welcome at the Pow Wow; however, it is important to realize that some dances are ceremonial and should be observed with respect.
Event
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Always listen to the Master of Ceremonies (MC); they coordinate the Pow Wow and will provide information about events as they transpire.
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Stand and remove headgear during the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Invocation, Honor songs, and whenever directed by the MC.
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Please respect all seating areas that have been reserved for elders and dancers.
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Respect the position of Head Man and Head Woman dancers; their positions entitle them to start each song or set of songs.
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Do not turn down an invitation from others, especially elders.
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Absolutely no alcoholic beverages or drugs are permitted at the Pow Wow.
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Please watch your children at all times.
Regalia, Dances, & Drums
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Throughout the event, dancers proudly wear their intricate, handmade regalia. There are different styles of dancing and different types of regalia worn.
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The clothing worn by dancers is known as regalia. Sometimes it will be referred to as an outfit, but it is NOT a costume; these things come from decades of tradition and must be respected.
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NEVER touch a dancer’s regalia, feathers, drum, or other items without express permission to do so.
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If you are not wearing regalia, you may only dance during intertribal and social songs; for clarification, seek guidance from the Arena Director.
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Appropriate, modest dress and behavior is required in the circle. Anyone unwilling to abide by the protocol will be asked to leave.
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Only those granted permission by the lead singer should approach or sit at a drum.
Remember, you are a guest. Have fun, ask questions, meet people, and experience a new culture!
About the Head Staff
The head staff is composed of the Master of Ceremonies, Arena Director, Headman, Headwoman, and Host Drum.
The Master of Ceremonies (MC) plays a significant role in ensuring pertinent information is relayed to participants and spectators; the MC calls the dancers to the dance circle for the grand entries and dance contests. In addition, their role is also to explain the origin of each dance, share their knowledge on regalia, and provide context and meaning for the variation of songs provided by the drum groups.
The Arena Director (AD) is responsible for ensuring the Pow Wow adheres to the program. Other duties of the AD include coordinating the lineup of grand entries, giving signals to begin various dance categories, and organizing the selection of dance judges, all while working closely with the MC.
The head dancers, Headman and Headwoman, lead all dancers into the arena during grand entries, grand exits, and at the start of each song. In many Native cultures, leadership entails various expectations to meet the needs of the community; the same is true for head dancers at Pow Wows. As head dancers, they are strongly encouraged to provide aid to elders, be role models for the youth, participate in all social dances, and if requested, lead a couple’s dance at the Powwow.
The Host Drum and drum groups provide a key element required for any Pow Wow, the musical component dancers rely on. They are the primary drum group that is trusted for significant segments of the Pow Wow such as grand entry songs, flag songs, victory songs, and any other requests. The host drum can be composed of anywhere between six to fourteen individuals. The singers can come from many nations traveling near and far to come together as a drum group. The host drum is much like a headlining band at a contemporary concert
Central to the Pow Wow and a majority of Native life, the drum represents the beats within our Mother Earth. The singers are the instrument and are collectively known as the “drum group.” The drum is the heart of the PowWow. Drum’s are significant to all Native American cultures as they represent the heartbeat of the Earth.
Dance Categories
Tiny Tots
Men’s Traditional
Women’s Traditional
Men's Grass
Women's Jingle
Men's Fancy
Women's Fancy Shawl
