Last summer at one of the many powwows I attended, a lady entered the Golden Age contest category and placed. I am acquainted with her and I didn’t think anything of it. Then some people started commenting negatively about it. The reason? She’s not Indian—or more correctly, it was assumed by her appearance that she wasn’t.
At this particular powwow, it was not required that an individual submit proof of Indian blood in order to compete in contest dancing. I know she wasn’t the only non-Indian dancing at that powwow. On the other hand, I’ve seen many contest powwows specifically state that proof of Indian enrollment or blood quantum may be required to register in competition. For example, the 40th Annual Denver March Powwow states in its rules that dance contestants must be at least one-quarter Indian blood and “Tribal ID’s may be requested.”
For everyone who knows their tribal history, Indian people have been pushed to the point of near extinction. Does that sound too harsh? Not when you consider that the most conservative estimate of the Indian population in this country, pre-white-contact, was in the tens of millions. The U.S. 2010 Census records say that about 5 million people self-identified as American Indian/Alaska Native, etc., either alone or in combination with some other race. Historically when a population declines over time, it means extinction is probable.
As a dismal result of this extirpation, it’s a fact that nearly all our original dances, songs, ceremonies, religion, and arts have been eradicated, marginalized, and sanitized. Some tribes have lost their spoken languages. It is no wonder that tribes fight fiercely to protect what little is left of these sacred cultures and traditions. In my opinion, this is the main reason why non-Indians and “Wannabe” Indians have typically not been welcomed or encouraged when they assert their presence in tribal events. There are tribes that even strictly prohibit “other Indians” from participation in certain events and ceremonies. This earns my utmost respect and understanding.
Meanwhile, the whole “not Indian, can’t dance” theme has been turning over in my mind for 6 months now. I reflect on today’s powwows which are far removed from what they originally were, and I seriously question if there is anything sacred left to us. Today at many modern contest powwows, the dancers/participants submit to a scheduled, rules-and-regulations choreographed event which typically involves large sums of money; tradition and culture is secondary. I personally see nothing wrong with non-Indians participating in dancing at powwows as long as they are doing it with sincere intent and respect.
It takes a lot of gumption for a non-Indian to enter the dance arbor; I’ve seen some laughed at and belittled while others are treated with the same respect as Indians. There are many people in European countries that hold their own versions of powwows complete with grand entries and contest dancing. I was astounded to learn that some were wearing authentic regalia. It was both humorous and disconcerting. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that they are emulating the powwow out of respect and admiration. Still, it’s disquieting to see it displayed on YouTube videos because it’s such a familiar experience of yet another taking of our people’s traditional ways.
I don’t see my unenrolled non-Tribal ID carrying grandsons in the same light as straight up non-Indians taking part in powwows. But technically, they would be regarded as the same if we buy into the “prove you are Indian enough to dance” thinking. Somehow, I know our ancestors had a better way of thinking about it. I hope we can re-learn and return to it.
Ruth Swaney is Bitterroot Salish and Kootenai and resides on the Flathead Reservation in Montana.
Views expressed in this article are the sole opinion of Ruth Swaney.
Last Updated on November 24, 2019 by Paul G
