You could say I was 'bitten by the powwow bug' after I attended my first one in November 2004. (If you don't know already, the simplest way to explain a "powwow" is basically an American Indian convention.) Since then I've gone to several in my area, but typically when I invite friends to come along I hear a recurring question: "Well, what do they do at those?" To be honest, I didn't know either before I went to one; it's a part of American Indian culture that's usually open to the public, yet still very enigmatic to most people. But that's the whole purpose of this page, to give a basic 'powwow guide for normal people'. Just remember, it's only an overview--the best way to see one is still in person!

NOTE: While the two powwows at which these photos were taken allow pictures, not all powwows do. Particularly in the Southwest area, photography is often restricted or prohibited altogether. When in doubt, it's better to ask permission first so you don't get into an awkward breach of powwow etiquette. More on that as we go along.

For Starters: Most powwows are held outdoors except when it rains. They're held year-round, but summertime is the big powwow season, especially in Oklahoma. It's always a good idea to bring sunscreen along, or you will fry. I've learned the hard way!
In the middle of the powwow grounds you'll notice a big circle marked off with a makeshift ring (usually boards and cinder blocks). That's the arena where the dancers perform; you'll see a drum set up in the center. You may also see another drum on the north perimeter of the circle. The drums are mic'ed and there's usually a cooler full of drinks nearby; this may seem funny at first, but remember, just because they're Indian doesn't mean they lack modern conveniences...

These guys in chairs are gathered around a drum set at ground level.

Another thing you'll want to bring if it's an outdoor event is a lawn chair. The boards set up along the edge of the circle may look like a convenient place to sit and watch, but that's reserved for dancers and their families. You can tell when someone's reserved a spot by a blanket or Mexican serape folded over a chair or a board. (In fact, you can look for these on the edges of the photos below.) It works both ways, though, so if you bring a chair and blanket you can stake out a good spot outside the circle. Besides, further beyond that circle will be an outer ring of vendors from all over the country, so bring a little shopping cash. It's also great chance to try Indian foods like fry bread and Indian tacos, or if you're lucky, a little buffalo chili.

The Circle: The drummers and dancers are in a circle for a reason. That patch of ground so humbly marked out with cinder blocks and 2x4's represents the greater Universal Circle, a metaphor for all life in the cosmos that's shared by all Indian tribes. Before the start of the powwow, that area is blessed in preparation. Everyone, Indian or not, is part of the greater Circle, which is why most events are open to the public. You're participating just by watching.

Gourd Dancing: Before the official start of the powwow they have a special type of dance called Gourd Dancing. It's not as visually spectacular as some of the more complex dances, but its formal style is easy to spot. There are Gourd Dance societies, such as the White Star Society who performed at this powwow in Natchez, MS. The men who lead Gourd Dances wear red and blue shawls marked with insigniae from their societies. I'm not versed in all the traditions around this type of dance, but if I'm not mistaken many of the Gourd leaders are also Armed Services veterans. If you're Indian and a veteran, you are a bona fide warrior, and there are special dances to honor these veterans.
NOTE: It's tempting to call their special dress "costumes", but don't. Indians frown on the connotation, so refer to their dress as "regalia".

Grand Entry: This is the official start of the day's events. If you listen to the emcee, he'll call on the drummers to sing a victory song; as they do so, dancers will enter the arena in step while carrying an American flag, a state flag and a POW-MIA flag. Behind them will be the Head Man and Head Lady dancers, followed by all the other dancers until everyone is in the circle. If it's allowed, this is a great time to take pictures:

Incidentally, the two gentleman carrying flags are in Gourd Dance regalia. Behind them in the blue and white is the Head Man dancer for the weekend, Joe Noah, an Oklahoma Choctaw.
As soon as the dancers are all in the circle, the drummers will start a flag song, which is basically another victory song as the flags (the "colors") are posted. This is done in place of the typical National Anthem-- frankly, I think it has a lot more dignity and class.
Cultural note: You may notice that, while posted times for Grand Entry are usually 1PM on Saturday or Sunday, they often start about a half-hour behind schedule. The joke is that you're on "Indian time", which is always late. But the reason for that is because, among American Indians, there's more emphasis on everyone being ready than a few people being punctual.

Here's some more pictures:

The first thing you'll probably say to yourself is, "Hey, there are white guys dancing with them!"(I've actually had people say that when they saw these pictures.) But keep in mind, someone doesn't have to look Indian to be Indian, for one thing; for another, most Indians couldn't care less how much 'Indian blood' someone has. Many are offended by the question, 'how much Indian are you?' Incidentally, the dude in the white shirt on the right-hand photo is also married to the Head Lady dancer for that powwow, Lori Barham Gray, so you can bet he's participated in a lot of powwows. Culture matters way more than pedigrees on the powwow trail.
Here's something else to consider: a very close Chickasaw friend of mine said once, "If you're born on American soil, you're a 'native American'." So pass the fry bread!

How about those Lady dancers...

The lady in white and red regalia is Alana Buffalohead, who hails from the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma and was the Head Lady dancer for the Natchez powwow in 2006. Her friend beside her is wearing a jingle dress. Those silver cones you see are all metal--usually rolled Copenhagen can lids--and whenever a dancer walks or dances, they sound like heavy rain on a tin roof. It's always striking to see and hear, and if they do a special Jingle Dress dance at a powwow, you're in for a treat. The tradition started about a hundred years ago, after a Chippewa (Ojibway) chief had a vision of a young woman who did a healing dance wearing a new type of dress. That dress of healing became known as the Jingle dress.

More Cultural notes: At every powwow, the respective Head Dancers and their families, as well as the drummers and powwow organizers, hold special ceremonies called Giveaways. Someone will speak for the person being honored and express gratitude on their behalf, and they give gifts to the other people involved in the event. I've seen handmade quilts, blankets, baskets of food and other things gifted to fellow staff members at these events. Sometimes they even have small gifts for the audience! The reason behind this ancient tradition, as the emcee will explain, is because American Indians value generosity and express gratitude for being honored by giving back to others. After the Giveaway they'll ask the drummers to sing a special song, and the person doing the Giveaway will lead a dance, as Miss Alana Buffalohead was leading here. Usually someone in the procession carries a hat, into which the other dancers will put money before joining the group. It's all done out of mutual respect.

Now for some really cool stuff...

The most spectacular events at a powwow are competitive dances, especially Fancy Dances; all those swirling feathers and tassles you're seeing above belong to Men's Fancy Dancers. Anytime you see a dancer with a numbered tag on their regalia, that means they've registered to compete for cash prizes. They're not judged by their regalia so much as how well they dance in step to the drum, and the drummers will deliberately do complicated songs with sudden stops to keep the dancers 'on their toes', so to speak. The gentleman in the beautiful yellow, orange and green regalia was the champion not only at this powwow in Bossier City, LA, but also at Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, NM the weekend before. Gathering of Nations is the largest powwow in the country, so he obviously out-danced a lot of tough competition!

This is really just a brief run-down of some of the basic events at a powwow. There are many different types of dances with origins from tribes across North America, and there are even a few that involve audience participation! Listening to the emcees is also a great way to learn about what's going on and occasionally hear a good Indian joke or two.

In spite of the customs and regalia that are unfamiliar at first to most newcomers, powwows are actually a lot like other kinds of conventions. Go to enough in a given area, and you'll start seeing familiar faces at each one. It's a great place to make new friends, and if you go the next year, to catch up with old friends. Some people enjoy watching the dancers, other find the drumming and singing relaxing, and still others love to shop for turquoise jewellry and leathercrafts. There are plenty of reasons to go, so next time you hear about one, you'll know what it's all about!

Wado (that's Cherokee for 'thank you')!

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