How to Attend a Powwow

Erlys J. Moore

Welcome to your first Powwow

Gaining a little insight of what to do, and what not to do, may be helpful before attending your first powwow.  The do's and don'ts that I will be sharing are from my own experiences. Please keep in mind, what I am selecting to share within this site, comes from my attending and dancing at northern Minnesota powwows.  Also realize that each powwow has thier own way of conducting a powwow, there may be varying traditions, ceremonies and ways showing of respect.  My focus will be on the basic ways of showing respect while attending a powwow. 

Respect for the Anishinaabe

No one is told what is proper and what is not proper at a powwow. A person generally learns what is expected from them while at a powwow with their family, and by teachings from our elders. There is a strong belief that what a person needs to know will come to them when they need to know it. It is best to not ask too many questions. People who are attending a powwow for the first time may want some helpful hints.

Entering a Powwow

As you drive up to the powwow, park your car anywhere - as you will notice people do park anywhere their car will fit. Next, you will need to find a comfortable place to park yourself. There are usually bleachers circling the dancing arena for the people who are just there to watch. You may bring a lawn chair with you to sit on, but please do not park your chair in front of any dancer's chairs. The dancers need easy acess into the arena for dancing. Ok, you are almost ready to sit back, relax, and totally enjoy the experience of community, spirituality, and fun, however a few items of respect are required and need mentioning.

Grand Entry

Grand Entries are at a 1:00 and 7:00. These times are the scheduled time at every powwow. Grand enteries are when the dancers to make their entry into the sacred circle,the dancing arena. A spectators must stand once the drum begins, remove hats, and remain standing until all dancers are in the arena. After the grand entry, spectators should remain standing for the Flag Song, Veteran's Song, and the spiritual advisor has spoken the prayer. Once all the above is completed, then it is alright to sit down.

Honor Songs

It is good to keep in mind Honor Songs are done throughout the powwow. The emcee will announce the type of honor song and inform everyone to stand and remove their hats, these are showing respect.

Inter-Tribals

When the emcee announces it is inter-tribal time, everyone is welcomed to come and join in the dancing. A person does not need to be in regalia to dance.

Dancing

We welcome anyone into the circle when it is inter-tribal time. Do not be afraid to enter the circle and dance. No one will laugh at you. We are taught to be respectful to all who enter the sacred circle and wish to dance. Just walk out into the circle, watch how the dancers are dancing and do you best to have a good time.

Important Rules:

Eagle Feathers

Eagles feathers are most sacred, and must be respected. Never touch someone's feathers. Always be careful around a traditional man's bustle. A bustle is worn on the back side of a dancer, and his feathers fan out in a large circle. If you see a bustle coming your way, give the dancer the right of way.

Regalia

A dancer's regalia is sacred to them. Never call their dancing outfit , a costume. A costume is what clowns wears. Instead, refer to what they are wearing as an outfit, or regalia. Never touch a person's regalia unless permission has been granted.

Other need to know customs

Drugs and Alcohol are not allowed near the powwow.

Cameras are not allowed to be used during special ceremonies, such as the dropping of a feather, an eagle whistle, the fanning of a drum, or a healing ceremony. You may use a camera during grand enteries, inter-tribals, and always show respect by asking permission first before snapping their picture.

Dogs and other pets should be left at home. .

Children. Parental supervison of children is strongly requested. Young children should never be allowed to run freely inside the dancing arena, nor should they ever be carried by someone who is dancing.

Dancers

Would you like to veiw some dancers in their regalia, and check out their style of dancing?

www.powwows.com

Visit a Powwow

Great Lakes Powwows

Copyright ©Erlys J. Moore / Questions and Comments ejmoore@bemidjistate.edu
last modified October, 04 2001