Visit a Powwow!
What is a Powwow?
A powwow is a social and cultural gathering where Native American and Canadian First Nations communities come together to sing, dance, feast, and honor their heritage.
The word comes from pau pau, an Algonquian term meaning a spiritual leader or healing ceremony. Early European settlers hen used the word to describe various Native meetings. The powwows we see today grew out of the Great Plains traditions in the late 1800s as a way to maintain community and preserve culture during periods of forced displacement, and continue to evolve.
The word comes from pau pau, an Algonquian term meaning a spiritual leader or healing ceremony. Early European settlers hen used the word to describe various Native meetings. The powwows we see today grew out of the Great Plains traditions in the late 1800s as a way to maintain community and preserve culture during periods of forced displacement, and continue to evolve.
What will I see at a powwow?
- The Grand Entry: This opening procession features flag bearers, veterans, elders, and all the dancers entering the circle.
- Music and Dance: The heartbeat of the drum guides the event. There are usually multiple drums you will see on the edge of the circle. You will also see various styles of traditional regalia and dance types. Styles include the Grass Dance, Jingle Dress Dance, Fancy Shawl Dance, Eastern War, and more.
- Social Connection: It is a time to meet old friends, make new ones, and pass traditions down to younger generations.
- Vending and Crafts: Indigenous artisans display and sell handmade items like jewelry, beadwork, and artwork.
Example of a powwow drum.
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Various types of dancers entering the circle.
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Where can I find powwows?
Most powwow flyers get posted on Facebook. But there are a few websites that keep a calendar of powwows throughout the year.
The Wandering Bull Powwow Schedule: click here
MCNAA Powwow Schedule: click here
Most powwow flyers get posted on Facebook. But there are a few websites that keep a calendar of powwows throughout the year.
The Wandering Bull Powwow Schedule: click here
MCNAA Powwow Schedule: click here
How can I participate at the powwow?
The Most important thing to remember is to always be respectful!
Most if not all powwows will have an emcee, a general rule of thumb is to listen to the emcee if you're not sure of what you can and cannot do. The emcee will tell you if you are not allowed to take picture and if you should be sitting or standing. The emcee will also be announcing whether or not outside guests are allowed to participate in dancing. There are many songs and dances that are open to the public and you do not need to be in regalia to participate.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself. Watch the dancing, join in if you're comfortable. Shop around at the vendors, support indigenous made items and businesses, and try some new food!
Here are some general rules to remember:
Most if not all powwows will have an emcee, a general rule of thumb is to listen to the emcee if you're not sure of what you can and cannot do. The emcee will tell you if you are not allowed to take picture and if you should be sitting or standing. The emcee will also be announcing whether or not outside guests are allowed to participate in dancing. There are many songs and dances that are open to the public and you do not need to be in regalia to participate.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself. Watch the dancing, join in if you're comfortable. Shop around at the vendors, support indigenous made items and businesses, and try some new food!
Here are some general rules to remember:
- Our outfits are called regalia, please do not call it a costume
- Do not touch someone's regalia
- Ask before taking pictures of someone
- Always respect elders
- No drugs or alcohol permitted at all!
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Example of a Men's Eastern Regalia
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Example of a Women's Fancy Shawl Regalia
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Example of a Men's Grass Dance Regalia
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Example of a Women's Jingle Dress Regalia
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Example of Men's Northern Traditional Regalia
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Example of Women's Traditional/ Eastern Blanket Regalia
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