Everyone is welcome at Pow Wows!
Pow Wows are one of the best ways to experience Native American culture firsthand.
Before you go, there are some things you should know first.
Related – New to Pow Wows? Subscribe to our free email course – What to expect at your first Pow Wow
Pow Wow Etiquette
1. Be on time
The committee is doing everything possible to ensure that activities begin and run smoothly. Please cooperate in this regard.
2. Dress appropriate
Appropriate dress and behavior are required in the arena. Anyone unwilling to abide by this rule will be asked to leave by the Arena Director. (If you are going to dance, try to wear dance clothes.)
3. Don't sit on benches for dancers
Arena benches are reserved for dancers. Dancers wishing to reserve a space on the bench should place a blanket in that space before the dance begins. Please do not sit on someone else's blanket unless invited. Uncovered benches are considered unreserved.
4. Listen to the Master of Ceremonies. He will announce who is to dance, and when.
5. Respect the position of the Head Man and Head Woman Dancers. Their role entitles them to start each song or set of songs. Please wait until they have started to dance before you join in.
6. Dance as long and as hard as you can. When not dancing, be quiet and respect the arena
7. Be aware that someone standing behind you may not be able to see over you. Make room, step aside, sit, or kneel if someone is behind you.
8. Show respect to the flags and Honor Songs by standing during “special” songs.” Stand in place until the sponsors of the song have danced a complete circle and have come around you, and then join in. If you are not dancing, continue to stand quietly until the song is completed.
9. While dancing at any paw wow, honor the protocol of the sponsoring group.
10. Some songs require that you dance only if you are familiar with the routine or are eligible to participate. Trot dances, Snake, Buffalo, etc. require particular steps or routines. If you are not familiar with these dances, observe and learn. Watch the head dancers to learn the procedures. Only veterans are permitted to dance some veteran's songs, unless otherwise stated; listen to the MC for instructions.
11. The Flag Song, or Indian National Anthem, is sung when the American Flag is raised or lowered. Please stand and remove hats during the singing of this song. It is not a song for dancing.
12. Powwows are usually non-profit. It depends upon donations, raffles, blanket dances, etc. for support. Donations are encouraged as a way to honor someone. Any participant can drop money onto the blanket to aid in the powwow expenses. Support the committee and buy raffle tickets.
13. Certain items of religious significance should be worn only by those qualified to do so. Respect the traditions.
14. Giveaways, attributes of Indian generosity, are held at many dances. They are acknowledgments of appreciation to recipients for honor given. When receiving a gift, the recipient thanks everyone involved in the giving. Note: all specials and giveaways must be coordinated with the Master of Ceremonies. Please remember that it is traditional to make a monetary contribution to the drum for this request – clear this through the MC.
15. The Drums are sometimes closed, check with the head singer for permission to sing.
16. If at any time you are uncertain of procedure or etiquette, please check with the MC, Arena Director, or head singer. They will be glad to help you with your questions.
17. Take a chair. Most powwows will not have seating for the public or enough seating for everyone. Also remember that the benches in the arena are for dancers only.
18. No alcohol or drugs are allowed at powwows.
19. If taking pictures, asked the dancer first. Remember common courtesy and ask permission. Group photographs are usually alright to take, but you might want to ask the committee first.
Remember that in each area you travel to and visit, things can and will be slightly different than your area. Different groups and have different customs and methods of doing things. Different is not wrong, just different. Be respectful of the uniqueness of each area.
2024 Explore Native Challenge
Bonus Code – 3411086
Last Updated on November 15, 2024 by Paul G
Donna Clarke
says:Hello. I work for a small not for profit adult ESL school. We would like to make a module for our students to learn about going to a pow wow. We would like to take photos and use them to create materials for our students. Is there any way you can connect me with the organizer of the Pairie Chicken Dance Championship 2024 in Piiksapi Memorial Arbor in Alberta.
Paul G
says:I’m emailing you now.
Mary M . Smith
says:Eager to learn more
MWH
says:Going to a Haliwa Saponi Pow-wow, where do I purchase authentic clothing? I live in Michigan.
Paul G
says:We have two places to shop for Native products on PowWows.com.
First is our Shop Native directory. This is a listing of Native companies and products.
http://www.powwows.com/shopnative
The other option is our classifieds. This is where individual can list items for sale.
http://www.powwows.com/classifieds
If you are looking for PowWows.com merchandise – shirts, hoodies, stickers and more, shop here:
http://www.powwows.com/merchandise
Thanks,
Paul G
PowWows.com
quandale dingle's uncle
says:bro if you got skecthers on get out my face bro bubububahubuabbhuabhabub.
ITS CORN!!! A BIG LUMP WITH KNOBS.
goofy ahh uncle production.
quandal dingle.
quandale dingle's uncle
says:bro if you got skecthers on get out my face bro bubububahubuabbhuabhabub.
ITS CORN!!! A BIG LUMP WITH KNOBS.
goofy ahh uncle production.
quandal dingle.
Deena Winter
says:Can’t wait to attend again!!
Richard Sheffield
says:Wish there were more pow wows in Michigan as I grew up with over the last 50 years. We’d even travel to Cromwell, IN and others in close by states. I miss the variety and number. Walpole Island even had one, which I’m not sure if it is still helpd.
Paul G
says:Look here – http://www.powwows.com/michigan
M. Wright
says:The Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi’s have pow wows every year. They have them in Dowagiac MI. There is also a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Pow Wow.
Paul G
says:Look here – http://www.powwows.com/michigan
Lorrie
says:Just read through your Pow Wow Etiquette guide. Very thorough, thank you. Only one typo near the end (paw wow). But I’m not Native American. So, I’m wondering if you would consider either writing a guide for the non Native American visitor or add some specific rules just for us. Because I still don’t know whether I would be allowed to “dance” or does each step mean something. And I would not want to disrespect tradition.
Paul G
says:Thanks, I fixed the typo.
We do have a resource for you! Check out this – http://www.powwows.com/powwow101
SHOBHA SHINDE
says:I am looking for the info on Pow Wow celebration dates for Caledonia, Ont. unable to find it. Kindly forward the link/website information.
Thank you so much.
Paul G
says:Look here – http://www.powwows.com/ontario
Rosann
says:I read the pow wow rules. I’m not an indegenis person however I would like to attend. So if I read correctly you can bring a chair to sit. Do you need reservations to attend or just show up and watch the activities. Not sure what to do. I would like to follow the respectful protocol.
Paul G
says:Some Pow Wows have tickets you need to purchase ahead of time. Most don’t. You can just show up and be a spectator!
Rosann
says:Thank for the insight:)
Gerald Daniel
says:I’ve always thought very highly of the traditions of our indigenous family’s and look forward to Washington next powwow…
LISA ALLEN
says:Thank you for this awesome information!!! Now I know and understand the ways of our people and the proper Pow Wow Etiquette.
Thank You very much!!!
Lisa
Gerald Daniel
says:I’ve always thought very highly of the traditions of our indigenous family’s and look forward to Washington next powwow…
David L Kauffman Jr
says:Hello,
im not a native american but ive allways wanted to attend the local Pow-Wow,is attendance at a Pow-Wow ok if you are not a Dancer (you thought i was gonna say not an Indian)?.ive been told others were not allowed to be there,unless the person is family of a dancer,is this true?.or just idle talk of people not in the know?
another thing i was told is that if you are going to attend..never bring food from outside…always have food thats provided at the Pow-Wow..this true?
Thanks Dave Kauffman Jr
Paul G
says:Pow Wows are open to all to come and watch!
David L Kauffman Jr
says:that was short n sweet…lol…thank you.id still like to know about the food issue though..should i just talk to someone in the local tribe?..the rez is just down the street from me..i once had several native american girls as gfs..maybe one will still talk to me?..lol
Thanks Dave
miyia Rhodes
says:Where can I find a powwow arena here in North Carolina because I will love to go and experience the dance along with the culture.
Paul G
says:Thanks for writing!
You can find out about upcoming Pow Wows by visiting:
https://www.powwows.com/north-carolina
https://www.powwows.com/pow-wows-in-my-state-pow-wow-calendar/
The calendar is constantly updated, so check back often.
You can search by date or keyword:
http://www.powwows.com/calendar
Thanks,
Paul G
PowWows.com
Bob Hill
says:Im a Veteran and would like to learn the dance and clothes or shirt and the things held in the hands how can i find out more info.
Paul G
says:Try our forums:
newpowwows.www.powwows.com/gathering
l spencer eaglewolf
says:iam native american AI it will be my first time attending a powwow should i pertisipate or should i be part of the audience and watch and be quiet
Paul G
says:Listen to the MC. Some Pow Wows will have times when you can participate. The MC will tell you.
Valerie Clark
says:I am planning to attend a pow wow in Bozeman MT this coming April Since it is my first time observing a pow wow, I would like to know if I could take pictures. I am an amateur photographer and am not sure of the proper etiquette. Thank you for your advice.
Paul G
says:In most cases you are ok to take pictures of the dancers in the arena. Listen to the MC to hear when it is not appropriate. For people outside the dance arena, please ask their permission first.
Rhi
says:Many elders and Tribal members believe that picture taken of them steals their soul. Do not take pictures without asking permission first. And don’t be surprised when/if your told no as stated, no one wants pieces of their soul stolen by anyone at anytime.