MariposaMorena08

Hello, all! :D I am a new member with questions about powwow protocol. I am an African-American of Native descent (Lumbee and/or Catawba from NC). I have only recently discovered this information and shared it with a NC Tuscarora friend. This friend invited me to the College of Math and Science Powwow in Durham, NC. I was told that I would be able to dance at this powwow. They do not card at this powwow and it is intertribal, which is good for me. My problem is that I don't want to be like so many "wannabes" that I see running around with some made-up regalia and fake Indian names!

I have done a few round dances but want to learn Cloth dancing. What is the difference between Southern and Northern? Could I do Northern altough my tribes are from the SouthEast? I don't know the dances but was told that I could learn at this powwow.

Also, what in the world do I wear? My friend suggested that I sew a t-dress and wear it, but what would I wear with it? Would it be appropriate for me to wear symbols from my tribe although enrollment would never be possible? A Pee Dee Indian friend of mine gave me a medicine bag, should I wear this in the dance circle with a t-dress? HOW do I sew a t-dress? I have approx. one month to prepare and am in desperate need of help! I am so lost!

Mato Winyan

Don't get yourself all in a tizzy worrying! ;) I agree with dad here... take things slow and easy. I have seen too many times when a person rushes right in and gets and outfit together and then finds out it is either wrong or discovers they don't like it and have to improve. So I would suggest going to the powwow... observing...taking notes if ya have to. Try and find people to ask questions. Maybe you can dance inter tribal in just a shawl. I think you will be much more comfortable in the long run. ;)

(also... i would hold off on the medicine bag and other things for awhile...)

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"We see it as a desecration not only of a mountain but of our way of life. This is a genocidal issue to us. If they kill this mountain, they kill our way of life." ~Debra White Plume

ron red eagle

I HIGHLY agree with Dad and Mato!! take it slow and easy. On occassion, things have a way of showing up on your door step when you least expect it.

Watch and Learn, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

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Ezaasakwaadek-bkwezhigan ndaa miijin

~Though I wear a shirt and tie
I'm still part red man deep inside!~
<Paul Revere and the Raiders>

A very wise old Chief (Archie Mosay) once said to listen carefully when a White man tells you specifically that he won't do this or that, because more often than not he is telling you EXACTLY what he IS about to do.

Choctawgirl

I agree with all of the above. Don't rush into things. Learning can be a slow processes but well worth the effort to do things right. :)

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No matter where you go, there you are.

AlmostThere

Mato Winyan and dad....well said!

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blah blah blah....

NDNKIDZ

:clap: :Thumbs agrees with everyone here...

MariposaMorena08

Phew! Thanks so much for the advice guys!! I will gladly take things slow with this one. The excitement of the powwow got to my head! :Angel: Seriously, thanks bunches! Is anyone going to the College of Science and Math Powwow?

Miss_Kiowa

After you've observed some, you should consider making a Lumbee dress rather than a t-dress. Lumbee dresses are really unique, so they'd be sure to stand out.

MariposaMorena08

Thanks @ Miss_Kiowa! (Great page by the way!) I do love the Lumbee dresses and would love to make one...eventually (breathe easy, everyone). :) Since I am of Lumbee ancestry and not an enrolled Lumbee (unfortunately) I am worried about offending some even though I feel that I would have a right to wear it. How is this seen?

Miss_Kiowa

If Lumbee's your tribe, you have the right to dress it. I used to dress Choctaw when I was younger, and I plan to again eventually since I'm not tied down to dressing exclusively Kiowa anymore. (I'm enrolled Kiowa by the way, not Choctaw or Delaware.) If people don't accept it, whatevs to them, right?

And thanks for the complement. My webpages are my babies!! :Chatter