Daizy

We are in the planning phase of starting our 1st Annual competition pow-wow. I've been to many contest pow-wows and know what I like, but I would like some suggestions as to what YOU think makes a great contest pow wow. We want to bring in the best dancers and singers/drums...

Mato Winyan

For one thing make sure you all are clear on what your requirements, rules for contests are clear and precise from the get go. Make sure they are written on sign up sheets and have them announced before contests. That way there is NO room for confusion.

Next..... I would make for dang sure I had the best judges I could find. I would make sure the KNOW the category they are judging. I would make sure they move around the floor during dancing to get the best possible views of dancers.

I would remind myself and everyone on the committee that you all are in charge............ not the contestants. It's a cool thing for people to do to work so hard and come up with the money for contests. It's a privilege NOT an obligation. I also would remind us that it is because of the drums/dancers and spectators that there will even be a successful powwow. Treat all with respect and hospitality. Doing that I think everyone would have a great time. Good luck!!

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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

LSS

Decide what your end product will look like. Do you want Gourd Dancing? Do you want split categories for the men/women's traditional categories? Do you want a separate Golden Age category for the men and women? Do you want drum contest? If so, do you want it to be split?

Look at your funds first and foremost. See what you are capable of this year. Mato hit the nail on the head w/ saying that you are in charge. Make decisions early and stick with them. You also want knowledgeable people w/ your Head Staff. Its ok to get opinions from your Head Staff and all, but be aware that sometimes you have people from different walks of life and everyones teachings are not the same. So, you'll run into conflicts if you go that way.

Have you ever put on a pow wow before? When is this one? Where?

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To get a true picture of your purpose in life, you only get the whole picture when you listen with your mind, your ears and your heart. This way The Creator has a direct connection with you and only you...no outside interference.

When you follow the will of IT that created you, understanding that your purpose is not for you...but for IT and all that IT has created, there can be no wrong except failure to be obedient. Only then do we jeopardize the gifts we are given.

Its not the final destination that defines us, rather the journey taken!

The_HULK

1) Make sure you have some alright prize money, and most importantly, HAVE that money you advertise!

2) Advertise at least one season in advance, so the dedicated pow-wow people could hear about your pow-wow and can make arrangements to travel there.

3) A good & respected Head-Staff is always good any pow-wow, and especially a pow-wow trying to establish a good name.

Integrity is a big part of building a new for a pow-wow.

Hope I helped a lil'.

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*There are 2 sides to every coin!

*A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done. - Vince Lombardi

*Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. - Vince Lombardi