Pow Wows are the Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships, and making new ones. This is a time method to renew Native American culture and preserve the rich heritage of American Indians.
There are several different stories of how the powwow was started. Some believe that the War dance Societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains Tribes were the origin of the powwow.
Another belief is that when the Native American tribes were forced onto reservations the government also forced them to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance, they were lead through the town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.
Powwow singers are very important figures in the pow wow. Without t,hem there would be no dancing. The songs are of many varieties, from religious to war to social.
As various tribes gathered together, they would share their songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With these changes came the use of “vocables” to replace the words of the old songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in “vocables” with no words.
Jeff Miller / University of Wisconsin-Madison
Yet they still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many songs are still sung in Native American Languages either newly composed or revivals of old songs. These songs are reminders to the Indian people of their old ways and rich heritage.
Dances have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dances seen at powwows today are social dances which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today evolve over time, it is not a stagnant culture, but a vibrant and changing way of life.
Powwows are organized by committees that work for weeks before the event. At the powwow, the MC runs the events. The MC works with the Arena Director to keep the powwow organized and running smoothly. These two individuals along with the committee work hard to bring the people together to dance and fellowship together in the circle.
The powwow begins with the Grand Entry. This is the entry of all the people entering the arena. This originally was a parade through the town the powwow was in. Even today in some powwows, these parades are still held. During the Grand Entry, everyone is asked to stand as the flags are brought into the arena. The flags carried generally include the U.S. Flag, Tribal Flags, the POW Flag, and Eagle Staffs of various Native Nations present. These are usually carried by veterans. Native Americans hold the United States Flag in an honored position despite the horrible treatment received from this country. The flag has a dual meaning. First, it is a way to remember all of the ancestors that fought against this country. It is also the symbol of the United States which Native Americans are now a part. The flag here also reminds people of those people who have fought for this country.
Following the veterans are other important guests of the powwow including Tribal Chiefs, Princesses, Elders, and powwow organizers. Next in line are the men dancers. The men are followed by the women dancers. Once everyone is in the arena, the song ends and a song is sung to honor the flags and the veterans. After a prayer, the dancing resumes, usually with a few round dances. After the round dances, intertribal dancing songs are sung and everyone dances to the beat of the drum.
Learn more about Native American Pow Wows on our site.
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Pow Wow Information
- What is a Pow Wow?
- Pow Wow Etiquette
- Pow Wow 101 – Frequently Asked Questions
- Giveaways
- Pow Wow Singing
- Dance Styles
- Watch Pow Wows Live Online
- Craft Tutorials
- Listen to Pow Wow Music
- Watch Pow Wow Videos
- Browse Pow Wow Photos
- Pow Wow Photography Guide
john wilde says:
I am most likely going to get a lot of grief for this , but I am a white man and feel that it is a very dishonorable thing that the white man has done to the Native Americans . I probably am not using proper terminology in what I say , but I like many others have been misled about many things in history throughout the world but we all can benefit if we all stopped and listened to our elders and each other and try to help each other learn and know the truth about ourselves as human beings and that is we are all not sure of what we are told and that is why we must always be alert and aware of what others want us to believe. Enough with the bickering and move forward , remember the past do not live in it . Live for the future. live for peace for us all.
Vanessa Colon says:
I always felt envious of the people who receive NATIVE AMERICAN NAMES for the mere fact that IM 100%,FULL-BLOODED CHOCTAW-♡. And only name given to me is my birth nameVANESSA♡♡.
SO whatever name that you was given honor it and cherish it,you are lucky to have such an honor.♡