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
rotating ip proxy service
says:This design is wicked! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved
what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
Marci Ann Sleightam
says:My great or great great material grandmother was Shoshone. I know only what my grandmother told me. In are family tree a French trapper married a lovely talented Shoshone woman who was a weaver and painter of gourds. There were laws that prevented her from teaching her children her language or tribal region. My sister’s and I brought are children to are local Indian education group. We had a few wonderful years there experiencing and learning what was missing from are family history. One year we received a letter stating unless we could provide proof of what % of are hereditary we were we were to be excluded from the gatherings. This letter came from out side are group. We were all very sad as this was literally are only hope of learning about are missing culture . Now there is the internet and I have been to a few pow wows .I will continue seeking knowledge and connection even if it only from the stadium seat and my laptop.
Litavore
says:Honestly, it’s nice to see so many people on all sides wanting to come together other the issue and have an open and civil discussion.
As far as the topic goes, tho, I have to say let’s leave natives to have their traditions. The rest of us can help support, appreciate, learn and love our native brothers and sisters and help to pass on acquired knowledge. But when it comes to official powwow or special events why don’t we just step back and support? I can see whites and other non natives learning to dance and even competing and free dancing at events, but something big like a powwow I think should have special consideration.
That being said, there’s plenty of whites and mixed race people involved in powwows in other ways and it’s nice to know we also have a place in native life even if it’s just to appreciate and learn history.
Ryan West
says:I’m white. I start with that. I was in Boy Scouts and was brought into the Order of the Arrow, which is routed deep in Indian heritage. I joined an explorer team that studied and performed/taught Indian dances and tradition. I decided to become a grass dancer, and so far have been the only one to do so in that team even to this day. I always wondered if what I was doing was the right thing. I never meant any disrespect, and always put my heart into it completely. One day at a OA pow wow, we had an Indian drum team. As I was out doing my dance, one of the members laid money in front of me. I was shocked, as I was told way before that that means they like what you’re doing and to keep it up. It meant a lot to me and I still remember that to this day. Yes, I donated that money to charity, not that that matters. I guess I’m trying to say that if that man saw what I, a white man, was doing and felt the need to do what he did, we should be allowed to help keep tradition going. I understand wanting to keep it pure, but if you don’t share your tradition, some day it may be completely gone.
James Mathis
says:My father is Quapaw and my mother is Irish American. My father and sister have dark skin, hair and eyes, I have lighter skin but not as white as my mother. When I attend our Powwow people and vendors pass me over and treat me as I’m not Indian. The do not know the time I spent with my grandmother and how she tried her best to teach me our beliefs and traditions. I’m ok with that because I am there to remember her and honor my ancestors.
MELISSA NORRIS
says:I am non native American ,but I so love going to powwows. I love the drums and music. the dancers are so amazing, and as I see them dance its like I see them telling a story.as if they are hunting and tracking, or maybe morning a past soul or spirit. the shawl dancers look as eagles soaring through the sky. one of my favorites is the jingle dress dancers. the powwows I have been to ask the americans to join in ,as much as I would love to ,I never have. out of respect to your culture and they way I played as a child jumping from one foot to another as playing an indian I feel like would not be an honor to your wonderful culture. anyone going weither you are or are not native America and asked to dance, should be done with great honor respect, and pride.
Craig
says:It’s upsetting to read this. I’m a 3rd generation born in this country. I feel I have no culture because anything european related to me is a distant memory from people who are no longer alive. I’d rather adapt to Native American culture and ways since we were born of the same land. To think that trying to help preserve these ways and traditions only to be rejected on the spot is sad. Remember that no one alive today was an aggressor or victim from 200 years ago. We are a different people today. You can’t take a handful of loud ignorant people and say we are all like that. I respect all people; especially Native to this land.
Ruth Swaney
says:Craig, thanks for your comment. It pleases me that even though this article is 9 months old, it continues to invite discussion. Centuries ago the immigrating non-Indians were more likely to adapt to native culture including learning the languages and marrying into the tribes. I did not intend to suggest that non-natives should be rejected for trying to learn and participate in public events such as powwows but the sad truth is that it does happen. Native people have suffered centuries of racism by the dominant society and it’s inevitable that some people will project that racism back toward the dominant society. Yesterday at my job (I am a manager for our Tribe), I met a young man who was informing me about benefits for cancer victims as a result of exposure to uranium mining. I told him I’d been on a reservation where the groundwater was contaminated and the people couldn’t drink the water. He laughingly remarked, “Now that’s some firewater!” Should I have been offended? I just dismissed it with a laugh and sent him on his way. As I said, native people have endured and continue to endure racism, stereotyping, and inaccurate representation in history and especially the mass media. It should not surprise anyone that some–not all–native people are protective of their tribal ways and certainly may have an issue with non-natives appropriating their tribal ways. Blessings to you, I appreciate your willingness to read the article and comment.
S. Rose
says:First I want to thank you Ruth for your comments. I understand and respect your insightfulness and sharing your perspective as the true Americans
I was told by my late grandmother that her mother was born on a reservation.
I remember as a very young child meeting and spending time with her mother my great grandmother. An aunt went on ancestry.com
She learned our ancestors from the maternal side were Native Americans Sioux….I am African American. I always feel close connection to Native American cultures for many years, now I know why.
I attended pow wow with my sons. We do not includes ourselves in pow wows dance unless invited to do so. Which has happened. I did on my because an elder approached me directly. What an honor!
Respectfully yours
Thunderwoman (my Native name given in ceremony)
Chán Wókičhiyaka
says:Mitekuye oyasin. Yes, we are ALL related. If you care about your culture, you would not consider it exclusive. If someone is fascinated by your culture, then they can only help bring back the ideologies of the old ways. Natives who are imbittered with hatred towards a generation who had nothing to do with the genocide of European settlers are no better than those who murdeted their ancestors. Look at the medicine wheel. There are four races represented. That would be like the white man being angry at the red man for adapting to their customs. I see young natives adapting to other cultures, like hip-hop. This is a new era. Learn your language, the language of your ancestors, learn the dances and the stories if you care; but don’t stop the white man who cares enough to honor what you do not.
Pte San Wanbli Win
says:I’m very thankful for this blog being posted, I believe it is something that should be disgussed. Anyways I really wouldn’t agree with white people dancing in full regalia. I’m not being racist but it’s our native way of life, I don’t mind at all white people at powwows as long as they’re being respectful and not dressed head to toe in tribal print making up foolish stories of how ‘ their grandma was a Cherokee princess ‘ . Ive heard white people get mad and say ‘ shouldn’t you be happy others are trying to help you bring back your culture? ‘ and that’s not even the case. It is our job as native people to do that, nothing wrong with support from white people but sometimes they overstep a line. I wouldn’t be comfortable with white people dancing but I see nothing wrong with them at powwows. I’ve seen some white people get way too carried away. As natives our culture is a beautiful way of life, I’ve seen my share of white people who became apart of our ways and were respectful and were accepted but I’ve also seen my share of white people coming in and disrespecting our way of life and was greatly offended, to me being respectful of our ways means, not trying to be native, if interested in our ways and choose to follow them that’s fine but don’t tell people you’re native if you aren’t, you don’t have to lie. Just keep at a respectable distance. Our people have endured a lot over the years so the trust is very hard. If you are invited to go into sweats, ceremonies, etc. In ever go around telling the whole world what went on, it is simply a time of prayer, not a magic show, but I believe as long as white people keep at a respectable distance and don’t disrespect our people our ways powwows are good, but for swears and other religious values I believe it to be private and that you should only go if invited or given permission. I think seem natives get offended because they feel white people will steal or ways or because they feel white people are invading their space. I do believe we are all related , I was raised to respect everyone and I do believe we are all related, my opinion in conclusion is as long as they keep a respectable distance and they don’t over step boundaries and follow the ways with their hearts that it’s ok. But I don’t agree with non natives dancing I’m sorry.
Craig
says:I respect what you said. I think I can speak for many white people born several generations in this country. We have no connection to europe so we are lost inside. Being born here maybe we feel that what’s native to this land should be to us. I know it’s a lot more complex than that. As white people we can’t just all of a sudden say, “Hi, we’re here to join.” I agree in keeping our distance and not trying to break any more trust that we have. I totally respect the old ways of living and personally feel they should have continued. White men should have adapted to the native ways and not the other way around. I will continue to live a simple life and respect Native American culture. Peace be with you.
Cin
says:I don’t say I’m native and I don’t say I’m not you will look at me and see the color of my skin my hair my height my Wieght my build and say I’m not but I will tell you what my great grandfather says your white your white your brown your brown your black your black you can’t change the color of your skin but you know who you are …..
Golden Eagle
says:Did any of you know that our very own pocohantas children immigrated back to America and were listed as white people. I find that very disturbing since we all know that mama’s baby is daddy’s maybe yet her very children we denied their native heratige in a form of blood quantum and the very stroke of a pen wiped out the blood quantum of many native americans and that was done over and over and over again by the census takers or by the very natives who wished to hide who they were from the fear of demise at the brutal hands of the oppressors who have been trying so hard to wipe us all from the face of mother earth.
my bloodline starts with pocahantas and goes thru the Cherokee ,Choctaw, chickasaw, creek, mikasuki, and Seminole tribe and I am only registered as a creek indian with the federal government so I could at least get the 235 dollors for my ancestors share of the 9 millon acres taken in Georgia. without blood quantum enough in any tribe to be a card toating member of a federally recognized tribe I get no benefits of even being a native American but you can bet you sweet behind whatever color that may be if anyone deny me the right to dance in a pow-wow setting I would be highly upset and curse the very ground they walk apon because the whole blood quantum was just a way to wipe us all out and steal our land. I look just like my 5 time removed grandmother and nothing like my family members it is called a throwback in genetics and I have bronze color skin if I get out in the sun and hazel eyes but then again anyone who knows anything of the history of north America knows that Desoto found a tribe of pale skin blue eyed natives when he got here. so what I do is just accept you for who you are and love you and respect you and honor your right to be a native American if that is what you believe you are no matter what the lying government says you are. my original irish people came here married native lived like native one got kidnapped and sold to slavery like native and died like native and so will I. you can be proud of your little green card that not all of us have but, it does not make you any better than the rest of us if you use it against us in a hurtful manner which is something your very own ancestors would not have done. mvto
NIck
says:I think theres more important issues for Indians to worry about than white people dancing at a powwow. After all, powwows are not a ceremony. They were created by white people as side shows for rodeos. Before we start worrying about white people at powwows, lets start learning our languages and going to our ceremonial doings and truly reviving our culture. Mii go iw minik waa-inwewetooyaan.
Lee
says:I am Cherokee, Delaware, and Comanche but can only register as Cherokee for more than one reason one reason being that it was so looked down on for being NDN that some didn’t register as NDN another is I am told you can only register with one tribe when asked what part NDN I am I say my heart and mind
diana meadows
says:I am fully, 1/2 pohattan, my hubby is 1/2 Cherokee, 1/4 Shawnee and 1/4 irish. just as white looking as we can be my other 1/2 is german. neither of us are registered. I , always, thought it was about sharing our culture, our ways and beliefs.is it not? many easten tribes have many descendants that are not registered, does this make us less “indian”? by sharing our culture , we are inclusive of others, not divisive. I am sure that many venues would not allow us to dance, so, shame on you. people , like this, share racist views. not the way of our ancestors, you dishonor those before you, for your ignorance.
Tracie Jones
says:How do you tell an Indian? By skin color? I know skins with less quantum than some fairer people. I do not know how to tell you, but not all Indians look alike. Also a half breed with a hispanic parent is going to be darker than one with a white parent. Pow wows are not sacred events, they are gatherings of the People to visit, eat, and dance. I do feel non Indians should be kept from ceremonies, like sun dance or sweats, events that are spiritually bases should be kept as ours. We haven given and they have stolen enough, you cannot take our spirits or our spiritul medicine.
Jessie T
says:I’m learning a lot from the responses here, so many different opinions. I was a VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) over 40 years ago on a reservation and still live close enough to visit. The elders taught me about Native issues, treaties, ceremonies, and most of all respect for their ways and beliefs. Along the way I learned to dance, cook their food, pray and speak a little of their language. Because of my coloring I am not immediately seen as white at powwows and such, but I draw my own line of respect. At one time I had regalia, so I danced, but would never enter a contest to take money away from a Native lady. I’ve been invited to ceremonies and attended many, but will never pass myself off as Native, nor will I enter a ceremony where I know whites are not welcome. I consider myself always a guest of the people. Thanks to all who have commented here.
Inge
says:Thanks for writing this article, Ruth. I’m reading through it and through the comments and I can again only wonder how messed up perspective can be.
I am from Germany, very white, only moved to America 5 years ago. In school back in Germany I’ve learned wrong things about indigenous peoples of the Americas. According to the history classes Maya, Aztec and Native Americans would be extinct. Completely.
Isn’t that horrible? How completely wrong this image is that is being given to Germans. I don’t know what kids learn in schools in other countries but I bet there are others that teach simply wrong information.
I’ve attended 3 Pow wows and I am grateful for the opportunity. I feel that, the more outsiders, especially from other countries, learn about the life, culture, situation, problems of Native American tribes, the more support would be available. If people don’t know, they can’t raise their voice. On the other hand I completely understand that no one wants to be a tourist attraction, so the is a fine balance between open for public and too open for public.
I’m not in a position to comment on the question how white is too white for dancing at pow wows.
Damon
says:I lived on Cheyenne River Reservation when I was younger, they had a lot of pow wows in the area, Bridger, Red Scaffold, Cherry Creek, Eagle Butte, etc., there are always several mixed people dancing and singing out of the bunch. But that was normal, that is how it is on a reservation, people are mixed (myself being one of them), and of course we knew them, no way we could tell them they could not dance !!! I cant imagine growing up any more Indian than living in Red Scaffold.
Then when I was 17-18 we went to Rapid City to a large pow wow in a coliseum. I went to hear Porcupine Singers, and it was the largest pow-wow (besides the Denver pow-wow) I have ever been to.
At sometime during the middle of the pow-wow one of the main announcers made a very blunt comment, and not under his breath either, after one of the dances he said (with a lot of sarcasm), “and I would like to thank all the white people for dancing in our pow-wow”.,
and really those white people dancing looked mixed, it was obviously aimed at them, but I felt it as well just sitting there. Of course I heard that from full blood kids growing up, but that was different coming from an adult at such a large pow-wow. always bothered me.
rick
says:There are a tribe of recognized Indians from up around the Michigan area who are swedish looking with blonde hair and blue eyes.
rick
says:I have always heard wise elders say; it is not blood that makes you Indian but whether you were raised in the traditional ways.
There are many who have the blood but we’re raised white and therefore are considered white.and there are very few full bloods left.
Chahn WokichiyakA
says:All of the colors of mankind are represented on the medicine wheel. Until we embrace this, our culture will be forever lost. Wakan Tanka does not see the color of our skin; only the color of our hearts.
Andrew Pierce
says:I have been giving this some thought,so here it goes. As long as the person is respectful and accurate, ie. legitimately doing their best, let them. To, across the board, say No to “outsiders” closes the door on an opportunity to teach and share. Bruce Lee was attacked for trying to teach non-Asians martial arts but how many people have benefited from that. Should all non-blacks never Rap or play Jazz? Would it be right to ban all non-whites from the Ballet? Of course not. Perhaps some separation is in order though but not exclusion. I am just brain storming now. what about a separate, “open floor”, dance that anyone can join in, even those that have never danced before. maybe refer to it as an exhibition. Share the love and maybe just feel some love in return. How powerful would it be to have some non-native kids go back to school and *accurately* show their classmates the awesome dancing they learned from Natives that took the time to include them?
Lone Wolf Woman
says:Andrew Pierce: there are inter-tribal Dances for everyone to participate in. Exhibition or commonly called Competition Powwows or Dancing is not what I think you mean. Exhibition shows examples of certain types of dancing. Also there are certain dancing or ceremonies where only a family group does and everyone else respects(usually)this in like an Honor Dance, or when a new a new Jingle Dress(Regalia) is to be worn for first time, there is an Honor Dance for that. There are 2 steps where the men and women dance as a pair and other than when a wedding takes place, when dancing most powwow dances, the Flag Carriers lead usually Veterans, then the Veterans, Men, then women and smaller children. Certain dances are specifically for men like the Sneak Up and others for women like Jingle Dress Dancers(the healers. Hope this helps you.
Ruth Swaney
says:Thanks for your response to Andrew.
Ruth Swaney
says:I do understand your point about being open and understanding to non-Indians who sincerely wish to learn. But it is hard to generalize when you are talking about hundreds of tribes. My experience is that the tribes that have retained most of their language, religion, and ceremonies tend to be the most guarded and that is something I deeply respect. What may be acceptable among my people might not be among other tribal nations. It really depends on the individual, the situation, and the history of the tribe(s) concerned. Thank you for your comments.
Mars sandoval
says:Ruth, did you know I’m not enrolled?
(Sorry this comment is kinda off topic)
Ruthh Swaney
says:Mars, your comment is not off topic at all, in fact, it is right at the heart of it. Does enrollment make someone “Indian”? Does a certain amount of blood quantum make someone practice their culture and speak their language? You descend from many tribes from many full-blood ancestors. To me, you are as “Indian” as one can possibly be. Lemlmts u kwin xmenc 🙂
Perry
says:Thoughtfully written. I truly believe it is what is in the person’s heart that tells the story of authenticity. We must be careful to parse what is truly our culture and what is colonization perpetuating itself.
Lone Wolf Woman
says:I have spend time in Indian country and I have seen full bloods who have no Indian in them. I think you know what I mean. I have also met many people with no blood quantum or very little that are more Indian the some of the real ones. I do not mean to disrespect anyone. But I do appreciate those who try to keep the Traditions alive, regardless of their background. I feel it is important for things to be kept alive, like the histories that are rarely taught in schools, the various forms of artwork-where I am interested in and storytelling. The reason why we do the things we do and the respect for Mother Earth and all of her creatures.
I come from a varied background of ethnic races, but feel closest to my Spiritual side and being one with nature, not a disruptor as many take our world for granted or worse yet, greed.
In one of the books from a powwow I attended long ago, there was an article. “What is an Indian” good question, but the best answer I found from the pages I read was this,” it is not always about the amount of blood quantum, but it is what is in your heart and souls that makes you an Indian.” I thought it was right. Megwitch.
Jim B..
says:I am white but I enjoy pow wow. I have been to a number of them here. I would not dream of participating in the dancing except when they call for a social or intertribal dance and invite everyone to join in. I do enjoy the music and the fry bread!
lynda Tallis
says:Yá’át’ééh!
I am English but carry Diné inheritance from my Grt Grandmother Mary Jane Thornton who married my English Grandfather Walter Sheridan Peckmore in Mexico, when he was out there doing surveying, and they returned to the UK to live.
I honour and respect my Native American heritage. I have taken after my father’s side in looks blue eyes and fare skin mind you that’s because we don’t have any sun here When I go on holiday to a sunny climate I go brown I have pictures of my Grandmother lovely brown eyes and Native American looks. I was told from when I was eleven about my heritage. My uncle and niece have brown eyes and dark hair. But we carry the same DNA down the female line. Yes it is racist. I have always followed my heritage I do weaving the Navajo way and even trying to learn the language also have read the tribal stories of their beginnings etc and have purchased several items of Navajo jewellery etc my dream is of dancing in one of the UK’s POW WOW. They hold them in respect for the Native American’s and a lot of them like me have Native American links family and heritage.
I have sat up all night watching POW WOW online and I have joined in with the intertribal dancing I look forward to them.
From a very young child before I was told, had vivid dreams of walking on the plains and looking down a valley and I hated watching the westerns on TV I got very upset and shouted at the cowboys.
I am a Shaman and Druid following in the Celtic path of my Father as this has been my calling which also follow the same path with cultural traditions very similar to the Native American’s I was once told that I was a wonabe which was very upsetting and told that I wonted the benefits. I wasn’t aware there was any and not available to me as an English born and bread. I do not need or what any. My Grandmothers blood and memories flow within me. I know my heritage and that is all I am. I am also an author poet and story teller. I have a facebook page or just Google me Lynda F Tallis if you won’t to see who I am. Ahéhee’
Blessings of the day to all.
laura bradshaw
says:Hello hello hello ☺ i saw your comments on the forum and absolutely had to reply. I am also related the same Walter Peckmore you mentioned here! My grandmother was Freda Peckmore (white) who was the daughter of Charles Peckmore.
What a coincidence ? if you have any other information about our family i would be thrilled if you would share it.
Oh and my mother has also bad the same thoughts and dreams about the idians and the plains that you have
laura bradshaw
says:Hello hello hello ☺ i saw your comments on the forum and absolutely had to reply. I am also related the same Walter Peckmore you mentioned here! My grandmother was Freda Peckmore (white) who was the daughter of Charles Peckmore.
What a coincidence ? if you have any other information about our family i would be thrilled if you would share it.
Oh, and my mother has also had the same thoughts and dreams about the indians and the plains that you have.
Warmest regards,
Laura x
Mark DeVille
says:If you study the history of powwows they came about through the interaction of the white man before then they were native gatherings. I will dance in the sacred circle with any one as long as they respect my beliefs and my ways
Boreal Mum
says:This is a great article ! I personally stopped attending most pow wow because of the non traditional money making thing .plus so much that is practiced is generic Aboriginalism .I attended as a child with my mother when money was not involved .but now unless it is community based I will not attend . of course it does not bother me about bloodline because we are mixed so I can’t speak for non mixed heritage peoples .however all peoples have & came from an Indigenous heritage at one time . those who want to become earth based again need to find some way of building relearning those ways .I have just as much issue with full bloods using chemically dyed fabrics , plastic beads, big tobacco etc. as I do with non bloods taking from Indigenous culture without actually being taught by true Indigenous teachers . & those who are fortunate enough who have brown skin but are mixed getting treated better within the community just because of skin tone is also a ridiculous practice .I refuse to be brown or white for the convenience of someone to abuse me .also can someone not become Dacotah , Cree etc. just as someone can become Italian ? of course not by bloodline but if someone is apart of community & learns language , lives all their life within that culture it used to be they became one .but now because of skin tone or bloodline we do not practice that ? good topic that is for sure
Jo P
says:Break it down, we’re all homo sapiens. Different cultures, different skin colors. We may not look the same, but we are all the same species of human and we should share dances and a whole more together to break down walls. Other humans will never respect cultures they aren’t invited to understand and be a part of. To exclude any group of humans is racism.
Margaret ( Maggie) Kyttle
says:Just a thought. If a full blooded Native American woman married someone that”s white-They had a child & that child had the white parents coloring. Would that child be exempt from dancing?
Steve Rowland
says:I am white. My wife and I enjoy the powwow’s in Georgia since way back. Rarely have I seen a non-native dancing, but I have to admit I feel a little put off to see such. It simply appears too contrived, basically a ‘wannabee, at least in my opinion. Now I realize that there are many today who do not even appear as a native, but have some bloodline, but I guess I am more of a traditionalist in my views that having a native in your bloodline 6 generations ago doesn’t make you a ‘native’. Given the Federal governments brutal treatment of the Cherokee’s here in GA, I would be hesitant to try to run my history back that far if I had such a history……anyway, Native-Americans have an awesomely proud history that is to be respected. If a non-native wants to dance, let them walk the circle, which I enjoy doing with my friends…even knock out a few dance steps now and then…:-)
Bree
says:I have studied a lot of law and a lot of history, all of which have shown me that this concept of exclusion, is based in fear and in colonization. It is the way of the white people, who forcibly colonized this land, and it is a consequence of the trauma they inflicted on it’s current residents.
We must move past our fear to recognize that our people have always welcomed anyone into their communities, if they had the right intent. Only colonized culture judges and excludes based on blood level, skin color, affiliation, etc.
Secondly we should recognize that limiting the number of people who can be involved in any aspect of native culture(outside traditional ceremonial functions) will destroy it quicker than sharing knowledge of our ways with anyone who is called to that path.
Finally I am 1/8 Lakota, it was not my choice to have my blood diluted, nor does my other blood somehow lessen my identification with the Lakota culture. My blood level doesn’t determine who I am. My spirit tells me, that I am one of the decedents of the 10% of the native populace, that lived through the colonization of America. If I only had one drop of Lakota blood in me, I would still be the decedent of survivors, and I would still be what is left of our people…and no one is going to tell me that I’m not Lakota enough to dance.
Anna E.
says:Being of mixed blood (English,Scottish,Cherokee,Apache and Cheyenne)I don’t look like your normal image of a Native American. I have brown eyes, dark hair that is graying and I have fair skin and freckles. My first Indian ancestor was named Jane Eagle Plume in 1620 something or other. Sound English to you? My other Indian relatives come from my grandparents families. I was not raised on a reservation, living in the state of Virginia where the unspoken rule was in those days don’t be Indian, you will suffer death, be raped, etc. In the 1920’s here a man named Plecker was in charge of all state records, so on paper there were no Indians once his “reign” was over. I knew my blood lines were there from the tender age of 6 having spoken with my great uncles, and my grandfather. My grandmother never spoke of her ancestry, but once showed me a beaded necklace that she hid away in her cedar chest. At my first Pow Wow, I heard the beat of the drum and cried for the rest of the day. I have since attended many Pow Wows, as a dancer because I felt called to do so. Then later to be a lead dancer with my husband who is also mixed blood. We ask only to be allowed to dance and honor our ancestors and celebrate their lives. We do not wish to win awards or take anything away from those who are card carriers. Only to celebrate life and love of the culture.
Chief Greywolf
says:I believe it’s up to the individual and their beliefs. So now are we the one’s being the Race police? If a person doesn’t look dark enough they are not allowed to dance? Who are we to turn our brothers and sisters away, it’s a known fact that most tribes are watered down. Yes it’s sad but what’s to be expected. I say if they have even a fraction of native blood then that is good enough for me. Bless them for wanting to be part of their heritage. A person is who they believe they are in their heart, believe me I’ve witnessed a turning of many who look native on the outside but are anything but that on the inside. The Creator doesn’t judge on outside appearance, so why should we.
Dałaa Ba'cho
says:Years ago Japanese Sumo Wrestling had a similar conundrum.
Sumo Wrestling is a sacred Sport to the Japanese. But in the effort to keep it “PURE” they nearly aided in the demise of the sport all together. Today there are many other races competing. Mongolians, Russians, even Americans. In fact the First NON Japanese Yokozuna was American Akebono of Hawaii.
I bring this up cause some times it is hard to see things clearly when you are so closely involved in it.
Considering Native Americans There is a Conscience effort to ensure we disappear from the face of the earth. THEN we will only be a faded memory with a Few Street signs and town names and maybe a lake or two as reminders.
The sad part is WE can be some of our worst enemies in it all.
Blood Quantum is a system designed to ensure that Natives vanish. With Limited numbers, High Poverty, High Suicide rate, Lack of Federal recognition of many tribes it is only time that stands between us an extinction.
Everyone knows that we all eventually mix races and once we do that if you are Full Blood you only have 2 more generations before even you own family are no longer “INDIAN” It was how the system was designed. It was the purpose of the system.
Add to that the efforts of our Government to divide us and prevent us from practicing out traditions and Speaking our language… THIS effort has proven most effective.
Less than ½ of those 5 million self identified Natives are registered with a tribe even less have any command of their native language… YES Genocide is not complete unless there is some assimilation involved.
Sad thing we all know the stories and we all know that the U.S. Gov purposely set out to divide us and conquer us. YET we would sit here and judge another Native because they do not know their Language or Tradition. Rather than helping our own RECOVER what was STOLEN we covet what we have and chastise those who don’t have it.
Don’t get me wrong, Language and Customs and Culture are of great importance and trying to preserve the purity if the TRADITION is far different than trying to preserve the PURITY of a Race.
We live in a Society that we are no longer isolated we mingle with other raes and cultures and eventually we fall in love. We preserve our culture by EDUCATION NOT ISOLATION.
We cannot un ring the bell of 1492. We cannot undo the stolen land we cannot undo to influences of white society on our cultures…. But what we can do is EDUCATE those who are willing to learn. HELP those find their way back that have lost their connection. Welcome those who choose to respect our language and cultures. If we don’t then we are only traveling the path of extinction.
Don’t get me wrong there are those who have no lineage and only want to play dress up for a weekend but do not honor the ways of our people on a daily. I do take issue with that but I don’t think we should risk alienating those that DO honor our ways and do have lineage. At the end of the day we are all Children of Mother Earth anyway.
Just as with the Japanese Sumo Wrestling and other martial arts people have reached out to preserve the PURITY of the Culture and the sport remains a staple in Japanese Culture despite the influx of other races. (WE need to learn that)
Tara Martin
says:In something I am dealing with right now and a decision to make, I find that this was put in my face on purpose. Out f all the people I know who know I was planning on dancing, only two people really had anything negative to say. I can’t prove blood, and I shouldn’t have to. I am in no way a “wannabe” and I have had fullblood friends and others teach me things without me even asking. This is confusing to me, as I was accepted by several families and invited to partake in some very important ceremonies where I was taught the ways without even prompting it, and accepted as ME. Been following my way since I am 6 years old. I don’t pretend to be anybody but me,and I do what I do best, take care of our mother earth, caretake the animal nations(those who know me well know how many creatures I have pulled out of bad situations and taken care of over the years. They have a way of finding me. I didn’t want to dance like it was some kind of Novelty. I am not a wannabe. I am who I am, a person who started as a little girl respecting and caretaking the earth and all her creatures as we are all related. I try to help people wherever and whenever I can, and I will go to the ends of the earth to do it. I have been crapped on by more people than I care to count but still I KEEP GOING. I wanted to dance to honor my late sister RUTH. I know what is in my heart and the Grandfathers know it too. I do what they tell me to do. I know what is respectful and what isn’t, and what is acceptible and what isn’t, and if I don’t know, I ask an Elder. Everything I do, I do with purpose.
Ruth Swaney
says:Tara, thank you for sharing. Blessings to you for your desire to take part in dancing.
Jamie Chase
says:This is a topic that has been in my life sense I was about 12 years old. My mother, may she rest in peace did not find out she was half Native Americian of the Hunkpapa Lakota people until she was 40 years of age. It was kept from her as some dark secret. When she did find out by a cousin that thought it would upset my mother when it actually made my mother so happy and answered so many questions my mother had about herself so from that moment on until she passed away when she was 65 she did everything she could to learn about her people. She had just started to get close to getting her tribal card when she became so gravely ill. When she passed away she was burried in her native dress ( not sure where the word regaila came from we just call our dance clothes our traditional Sioux dress) My mother lived her adult life what she had of it in a constant state of learning. My mother looked Native but us her children were quesitoned until one day a Medicine Man of our people educated me. When I questioned myself once and only once if I should dance he said to me ” OK so tell me what part of your body has your Native blood in you? Is it your hand, is it your feet, is it your arm? No it is your heart and your heart runs your native blood all throughout your body you can not segregate it!. I have seen you dance, you dance and you sore,, your feet hardly touch the earth. That is your heritage in you. Dont question what does not need questioning, just be”. Those words have been with me and will be with me until I am called home and there after. I also want to say my father who was not of Native blood was honored by being asked to become a member of the Gourd Society. My father was welcomed in for being in the World War Two and for having such a high respect for my mothers people Sioux and all Native Americans. My father felt this was the most highest honer he had ever received.
Rose
says:I too have wondered about this issue. I have a (very) white name. My skin is pale. But my hair is dark, my eyes almond shaped, my cheek bones high and my heart is definitely connected to the Grandfather. My father, StickWalker, got his name from his Cree Uncle and his everything else from his Apache mother, but I, I inherited everything but ‘the look’ per my Mother’s Cherokee mother (my Grandmother) marrying a German. Anyway, I do not wish to disrespect any person. I only wish to keep a grasp on what of my heritage I have. I’ve been welcomed into the circle before, but not often. But then, what am I asking of man… the spirits know me and that is what matters.
Justin
says:It’s offending in some cases yes like if they come out in a breechclout and a feather in their hair, but if they come out in full regalia and can show the MC they know the steps I think they should dance it keeps tradition alive. and if they mess up we must pardon their ignorance and we’re obligated to teach and educate.
Sincerely a White northern traditional dancer.
Denise Zeno Ernest
says:I remember sitting at the feet of my great grandmother while my mom brushed out her beautiful white hair that reached down past her waist, and then she would braid her hair into two braids she wore every day. She was Lakota. My mom and her siblings looked native, but my dad was Anglo and I have his blue eyes and light hair. My brother got the brown eyes and high cheek bones. I love my Native American ancestry and learn all I can about it. I’ve gone to pow wows too but never felt like I could participate. Once I ran into a woman who shared my moms last name, same spelling, etc. and I thought there might be a connection. When I mentioned The family name she took one look at me and scornfully let me know there was no way we could be related. It broke my heart since I was just looking for connection. So I get a bit testy I guess when people see my white face and call me a wannabe.
Jim McClure
says:As a small child I remember the stories my great-grand mother told of her father a full blood Cherokee. She said he survived the movement to the west by going deep into the wilderness of the mountains like many did. Eventually he returned to black mountain and married a half-white cherokee. I spent most of my adult years trying to find proof of our blood line. I have come to the realization that without help I many never find proof. So we remain non-doc. My mother who passed many years ago looked full blood. She had jet black hair, brown eyes and dark skin. I on the other hand am Irish on my fathers side and have medium skin blue eyes and blond/brown hair. I go to pow wow to connect and learn. I want to learn the language there are few that speak it anymore. My fear is if those of mixed blood are shunned that all will be lost over time. I am older now and wish I had got more information and learned more from my elders before they passed.
Inge
says:Jim, have you tried http://dna.ancestry.com or https://www.23andme.com ? I haven’t used their services myself but I think that this could maybe be a start.
Debbie
says:I was adopted but I know that my Mother was Cherokee and my father was French. I have a strong pull towards the Native American in my blood. I collect Native American artifacts and go and watch the Pow Wows. I dance in my own private place but would love to be able to participate. I love to meditate to Bruele music and appreciate my heritage with all of my heart.
Ella Minnow Pea
says:This is such a hard question – trying to remain authentically Indian in a modern world has so many pitfalls. The blood quantum was originally a way to separate and denigrate Indians from whit folks, yet now it’s a badge of honor if you’re enrolled or have a certain blood quantum. But that’s understandable because the blood quantum is a solid, tangible way to show that we are still here, despite everything white folks have done to eradicate us.
But I think everyone would agree that your blood alone is not what makes you Indian. It’s your culture, your heritage, your family.
I am from the Oklahoma Choctaw Tribe and we have many, many blue-eyed, blond-headed Indians. Our chief looks very white. I’m blonde and blue-eyed myself, yet I’m an enrolled member who appreciate my heritage, and I love pow wows, the dancing, and the regalia. Yet I feel that so many other Indians would feel that it isn’t my place to participate that I never have.
I always got the application to participate in the Miss Choctaw pageants when I was younger, but even then didn’t do it.
It’s frustrating, because there is no real, good answer to this. I think it’ll only get more confusing as we go forward, but I’m glad that Indians are having these conversations.
Terri Abbatiello
says:I am non-Indian and have been to pow wows where people of non-Indian descent are not permitted to dance during almost off of the dances. However, we were invited to learn specific dances towards the end of the day. I was honored to be included in a way that allowed us to learn and participate without it being disrespectful.
Evelyn
says:I am white, in the sense that all my blood comes from white people, except for the Ancestors my grandmother refused to mention ( African slaves and South American Tupì tribe ), we know that as a family the only blood we might not have is Asian. Having said that I have been a wannabe since the day that I was born, Why ? , I have absolutely No idea. Before taking me to a large Powwow, my friends brought me to an evening informal dance in a school, possibly to test how strange this white women would be. I have partecipated to 3 powwows in that same season, and I treasure every second of that experience. Do I want more ? Yes I’d love to dance at least once again. I have no right to give advice to anyone but I think that if individuals show true respect and behave respectfully and quiet, the tribes might add thousands more allies to the battle of regaining the status that you deserve. Native Americans are growing back from the roots, a great power to deal with is a Nation that has survived annihilation for 500 years !!! and are still alive and dancing. Show the world how it is done, nothing can truly be stolen to the people that are stronger than time itself .
Reanay
says:I also live in Oklahoma and there are many tribes here, I am Wyandotte and Cherokee, but you can only be a member of one tribe, since my cherokee grandmother was not on the roll(many were not) I am a member of the wyandotte tribe , but nit down for much blood quantum, my youngest daughter who’s dad was on the cherokee roll is a member of the cherokee roll, but she looks white, it is so silly to heave to “prove” what you are!! Do white people have to prove they are Irish, German, ect.??? I believe this tribal quantum membership is still giving the white mans government control over us, and this is not what being Native is about. Many of our ancestors were afraid or ashamed to be Indian and did not sign up on the Dawson roll or but down they were less blood quantum than they actually were, I have been told this is what my great grandfather did. I think it is wrong to exclude others for looks, isn’t that what the white man did to us?? Are we going to become just like him?
Aaron
says:My grandfather moved off of the res. when he was 11, served in WWII and married my 1/2 Irish 1/2 indian grandma. He was killed when my father was 13. My father “looks” like the typical indian with the exception of his blue eyes. We’ve attended many pow-wows and I learned a lot of “Native ways” in my life. My own mother is scottish so I’ve got dark features with pale skin. In my experience many natives are welcoming of people who want to learn of their culture but not accepting of them to be “part” of it unless they look the part. Like many cultures, the threat of the unknown gives every man pause. You could also argue that the damage the government “white” man has done can never be reconciled; but… unless the natives stick with natives and only produce native children – the culture will slowly die off and never flourish again. If given the opportunity I , and many people, would love the chance to learn and be part of the culture we see as part of our ancestry but can not prove it on paper.
Amanda
says:I would appreciate an honest reply, for or against. I am white and live near Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. I am just mesmorized by the pow wow dancing, admire the beautiful regalia, and study to learn as much unbiased history of Native Americans as I can, and strive to take advantage of every public opportunity to learn alongside my children as well. But I always wonder if my presence as a white observer is offensive at such events? I am certainly understanding if so, it would not be without cause. Like I said, for or against, I would appreciate honesty response, thank you.
Tony
says:Haawka(greetings) Amanda,
A “Pow wow”, is for the public and to have people from ALL races, is a blessing to that circle that we dance in. So you are quit welcome at a Pow wow and public Native events.
If you are steadfast and attend Public Native events regularly, Native people will get to know you slowly and hopefully you’l meet a nice family, now, not everyone will be trusting as we lost a lot, so be carful who you trust, have a good heart and Creator will guide you I believe.
Good luck on you’re journey.
Tony
Ruth Swaney
says:Tony, thanks for your wonderful response, I could not have said it better 🙂
Melina Messer
says:I never got denied to dance at pow-wows in the past people used to ask me what tribe I was I am mixed but do have Native blood in me not a lot but a Little that’s why I was surprised when she asked me what tribe I was in?I don’t claim to be all Native a Little I claim but not to the point of getting laughed at saying I am native when looking at me now you can tell I am not.
Kristen Jefferson
says:My mother is of Cherokee descent, as well as Irish She and my brother and sisters all have dark hair and darker skin. But my father is part European, and I have blue eyes and light skin and hair. Does that make me less native than my brother and sisters? Should I not be able to dance because I am lighter then them?
Karen Martinez
says:Especially at this time, does not Mother Earth need all who believe we are “one world interwoven with every living thing” to be united to save Her? Pow Wows and traditions are needed and necessary to be sure. But two-legged unity on Her behalf is vital. If we fail at that, skin color, blood lines…??
Kera Martinez
says:I also wanted their families of theese women to know that they lived a good life and were and are still today loved even if only by me and ended up in around Des Moines and Oceola Iowa thank you for your time!
Kera Martinez
says:I have very little Blackfoot,Sioux in me and because most of my family members on that side of my family have passed on all I have are 2 tin pictures of both women on my dads side of the family and my children are part of that bloodline and their father is Aztec from a small village in Oxaca Mexico where they speak chinenteco still I would love love nothing more then for them to be accepted to the clan that they would have in their lives had it not been for poor record keeping and no one doing thier geneiological duties which I am trying to pinpoint today. We would never want to bring shame or mockery to anyone we just want to be accepted and have that extended family we want to belong and have the friendship and love of the extension of the family the overflowing heart, the awareness that we are yours,and would give up our everything including our last breath to be one with you!
Coastwoman
says:This topic is so complex, and there just aren’t any easy answers. We’ve been affected by this for many years, and while we never turn anyone away… it is obvious that having non-Indian involvement in ceremony does change it over time. My husband is a spiritual leader, and many years ago, we used to hold sweat ceremonies every weekend. As I said, we have never turned anyone away… We don’t believe the Creator would choose for us to only see people by the color of their skin… But, over time, word began to spread about our weekly ceremony… and eventually, we seemed to be having more “new-age” folks, and they wanted to know who my husband “channeled with,” and about “auras…” We tried hard to accept them, knowing that they were just lost souls, searching for something to believe in… but our reason for having the ceremonies was aimed primarily at our own community, and trying to open doors to our community members, that there is another way besides substance abuse, that healthy families are possible… As time went on, we finally stopped having those regular ceremonies, because our own community began to feel uncomfortable, and out-numbered.
I try to think about how it might have been a couple of hundred years ago… This whole blood-quantum/tribal membership is relatively new… If someone came along, and knew how to be respectful, and knew to join into a community, rather than try to change it… no matter what their racial makeup was, I believe our ancestors never judged someone by their skin, but by their character. It is the way that the Creator would wish us to be. And truth is, we do have a few friends that while not having a drop of Native blood, they have embraced the culture so humbly, that they truly do have a “Native heart.” For instance, one young man grew up with our oldest sons… he came from a pretty rough home, and he felt more at home with our boys. He grew up attending traditional dances, and now, although he’s nearly 50, he is still very much a part of our community, and part of our family.
After all these years, I’m still no closer to an answer about this. We have one great-grandson, that I used to tell his grand-daddy that someone would think he’d stolen that child, since our son is so dark, and his grandson is so blond! But the truth is, it is a problem. I don’t wish to violate my spiritual belief that people’s paths are guided by the Creator, but I also wish that non-Indians would have respect not to intrude, as well. What we do isn’t a game, and not for show… it isn’t a hobby… I truly do respect all, but I wish that more people could be like one friend we have… she was our doctor at Indian Health… she was originally from England, but somehow, when she found our little community, she found “home.” She attends ceremony, but she’s never changed who she is, has never brought other people… she helps out where she can and is a friend to all, which is why she is universally loved. It CAN work… but it tends to be rare.
Kelley ilar
says:Im Shoshone Bannock , red hair green eyes, freckles mother full booded,father half l, ook like my father who never wanted me, my moms family raised me, even though i learnd to bead art, i was not allowed to enter compition look to.tiboe (white) its sad , cause all i want is to enjoy the festivities and remember home…and my mom happy to powwow….
Margaret ( Maggie) Kyttle
says:I was at a Pow Wow once & I heard a guy say.” Who”s ever seen a blue eyed Indian” Well. My Maternal Grandmother was full blooded Cherokee from Alabama. My eyes are dark blue because my Grandfather was part Irish. I have the Indian features & coloring. I just want to know why people don”t think someone”s Indian just because they don”t ” Look Indian”.Full blooded ones have the dark hair & beautiful skin.But, Tell me. What”s an Indian “suppose” to look like?
Cindy Cz
says:Even if you were to pay a gene testing corporation to assess your genes, via Y chromosome (paternal) and mitochondrial (maternal) DNA, you would only know a total of about 2-4% of your genetic make-up. There is no means of testing autosomal DNA, that I’m aware of.
For someone to say that no Native American could have blue eyes, merely shows their ignorance.
Austin
says:First off, some of the people are of native descent but its not their fault that their family breeds out. Stop breeding out if you care for your roots. Maybe use wisdom in the judgement of a person, if they atleast look and or show that they are part blooded let them honor their ancesters but if they are white, then they white dont let them dance with their fake regelia. Dont be haten if you a skin on somebody but are with a white person.
Brigitte Howard
says:We live in Pablo Montana.. And for me this issue is very interesting, as I am married to a Native American and we just talked the other day about me dancing in traditional regalia. Not competing. My husband is a traditional dance and we love to go to Pow-Wows. I was so far very hesitant as I have lots of respect for the native ways and spirituality. So I am very glad to read some other opinions. I moved to the US from Switzerland two years ago. And it is as Yansa Ewoha’li wrote..Most people in Europe have lots of respect for native ways and the people. and ususally they are much better informed and educated on native issues as people over here in the US. Based on what is being teached in schools and what people read on books. Thanks for all the interesting comments..
Adiel
says:I won’t feel comfortable for a white person to dance any songs that honors my ancestors . This is sacred nothing to add to your Bucket List ! Wearing our tradition costumes he’ll no! This is reference to the pure colonial whites , not those who share our indigenous blood .
bright
says:We are all of this world. Each nationality has its story of the Earth’s beginning and the Creator. Each has a story about how their people came to earth. Each has people that respect nature and some who don’t. We are all riding on a world that is spinning fast. Many cultures have been lost but We are all in this together. Why not enjoy each other’s culture and for those who wish to conserve their culture, let them conserve it well. Love to all.
Gloria Hammond
says:Hello Ruth, I live in Oklahoma. The tribes are many here and the blood quantum is very mixed. Traditions have faded, but most believe the child belongs to the mothers clan. Period. The conflict ended, there. The U.S.A.gov. is where the elimination of blood began and continues today. I have family from the Salish/Kootneah tribe,and this blood is not included in my registration. My Mothers family lives there, the Courvilles, Burlands, Dupuis. Kip Courville works for the tribe. I love the beauty of Montana.
Ruth Swaney
says:Hello Gloria, thanks for commenting. And we are related, since my mother’s maiden name is Dupuis and her mother’s maiden name was Courville 🙂 I do agree that the government’s imposition of blood quantum to define “Indian” is something that tribal nations need to examine. I don’t suppose we’ll ever get away from enrollment as a means for proving Indian blood especially if it pertains to benefits and privileges. I also find it sad that we sometimes discriminate amongst ourselves as to blood quantum and even skin color. Blessings to you.
Donna Honeycutt
says:My grandmother was placed on the rolls of a Choctaw Tribe and was deemed “full-blood” Choctaw. I was raised in a “white” world, but have always honored and treasured my “Indian” heritage. I have never asked anything from anyone for my indian heritage, but always felt honored to have that blood in me. I may not be full blood Choctaw in my physical body, but I am full blood in my heart, and honor my Choctaw ancestors. In fact, from what I have been told, I am 1/4 Choctaw, 1/4 Cherokee, and 1/8 Apache. Not sure about any other blood in me. I just wish the Choctaw and other Indian tribes did not shun me, just because I don’t know how to prove on paper that I am Native American, because in my heart and soul, I am.
Dale Montrose
says:i say have all pow wows go back to being traditional.. i challenge every tribe who hosts a contest pow wow, to have a traditional pow wow.
We have to take care of the earth or we will not have a home. We all share in this responsibility. We need to make sure that the earth and everything the Creator put on this earth will always be here for future generation. Each morning let us remember to greet our grandmothers and grandfathers, whose spirits are in; the many glories that surround us. They taught us as they had been taught by the elders, how to take care of the earth. We are straying away from the teachings given to us. Our young people do not pray and give thanksgiving. Our priorities are all messed up. We need to know the teachings of our grandmothers and grandfathers to give us direction and balance. Our leaders are young; they also need to listen and learn. We need their participation…
TO TAKE CARE OF THE EARTH AND LIFE. WE NEED TO REMEMBER THE TEACHINGS OF THE FIRST ELDER, WHO HAS HANDED ON THE GIFTS OF KNOWLEDGE THAT HE RECEIVED FROM: THE SEVEN GRANDFATHERS WHEN HE WAS A BOY. EACH GRANDFATHER GAVE HIM A GIFT.
Sue
says:I believe that whites (being one myself – non Indian) need to respect the rules of the pow-wow. I feel it is up to whomever is planning the event to choose rules. My question is based on Ms Ruth’s article. So as a white woman who has the upmost respect for and interest in Indian history (absolutely NOT a wanna-be) it now frightens me that if I were to attend a pow wow that I might be rudiculed or made fun of for attending an event that has been publicly advertised. Did I miss understand or should I be warned?
Ruth Swaney
says:Good morning. To answer your question, in general the powwows that are commonly held are public events and everyone is welcome. For competition, as I pointed out in the example of the Denver March powwow rules, one may have to be a member of a tribe. Speaking for my Salish and Kootenai people, at our annual celebrations held in July (Arlee 4th of July and Standing Arrow Powwow), our tribes do not require proof of tribal membership to participate or to compete. However, rules alone don’t guarantee that individuals will act with honor and respect toward people who they regard as different. I wish it were different but it isn’t always. Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Paul Pike
says:I don’t see a problem with Non Indians dancing as long as respect is given and protocals are honored. Blood quantum is not NATIVE, it’s a colonization tool to eraticate us. When we use blood quantum on each other it’s like the oppressed becoming the oppressor. What ever happened to tribal citizenship? I feel that non Indians that choose to take part in our ways do so in an effort to connect on an Indigenous level. A seeking to connect. My tribe (Mi’kmaq Nation), we welcome all peoples to our powwows and encourage participation. One of the reasons our gatherings are successful is that everyone feels connected. Our ancestors welcomed and fed people, these are some of our values. I think by including other peoples we gain support and understanding from the world.
Ronin
says:Thanks for making that point, Paul. As someone who has only recently been able to unravel some of my Family history (no one really kept any of it – or hid it altogether) I have to deal with these issues. My Matrilineal relations are (in the short answer) Mi’kmaq (Codroy, NFLD), Meskwaki and Oglala Lakota – and the first French to reach these shores. To even FIND records is a great undertaking, let alone having the Colonial powers “recognize” you. The Mi’kmaq people know this all too well.
We’lalin for sharing. Msit no’kmaq!
Gina Hampton Dukes
says:I feel a very strong attachment to my Indian heritage. This was passed to me by my grandfather. He grew up as a “white” sharecropper. He didn’t talk about his lineage but he taught me things of the Earth. His mother taught my mother in the same way. She would teaches of plants and herbs. She told of having to walk by herself from Oklahoma to Kentucky. Records were lost but I don’t need records to love that part of myself.
Christie Becker
says:My first thought is what about the lost birds? There are thousands of children that were taken from their homes and placed with white families. They don’t have tribal cards and are searching for their own identity. We go unacknowledged and unrepresented since childhood, yet another hurdle to jump for ourselves and our children.
Cindy Cz
says:I was wondering if you are from US or Canada.
In Canada, not minimizing what you experienced , children were not placed with white families but placed in “residential schools” as if they were orphaned. This undoubtedly caused much suffering on both the part of the parents as well as the children. When 18, the children were sometimes returned to their blood parents, with neither the children nor the parents able to suddenly cope with their return.
This was done purposefully by the British to assimilate the children, better read as “rob the children of their identity and culture.”
Interestingly, in Canada, you are either aboriginal or white , or you are metis. Anyone in between 100% Caucasian and 100% aboriginal/native American is Not Accepted by Caucasians OR aboriginals, and subjugates the individuals to the metis population (mixed) and culture.
Z
says:I am of Native American descent, but unfortunately, am not considered enough Native American to be enrolled. We can trace my mother’s family very far back, however, my father’s people come from Poland and destroyed the blood quantum for membership.
To keep our Native culture alive, we attend Pow wows every year and try to keep to our cultural roots as closely as possible. We understand though, that many dancers do compete for money and this is a bigger event for them than we can possibly imagine.
I have never dared to enter a dancing competition, because I do understand that. My mother and I have kept our dancing strictly to intertribal dance times out of respect. While it is painful to not be able to delve into the celebrations of our kin, it would be more painful if not enough of us survived in order to dance. Keeping these thoughts in mind, we are satisfied, for the time being, just watching.
Tanja Miller
says:I learned about my daughter & now youngest son’s ancestry because of going to powwows. I did much research when my daughter was young because I was told she had Cherokee & Blackfoot on her father’s side. Her grandfather was adopted, so it’s hard to find out where the % is for her. I know by my mother doing the family tree that they are both Latino as well. Because of my children’s heritage, I have been accepted as well as adopted by a Lakota man, whom I call Dad. I dance out of respect for the culture, my “Dad”, as well as my children. I’m proud to honor Dad every time I dance. While I have a Cherokee tear dress an old friend honored me with, I also have some regalia to honor Dad. However, I agree with someone above. While I will dance in the circle, as has my daughter in the past, I will not do so in contest form. I myself am, according to the family tree, but not my heart, European 5 generations removed. I love & appreciate the Native American culture. I hope this year to be able to start teaching my youngest with his first time in the circle this fall.
daniel
says:i see everyones ponit…even to the auther.. i get it… but i feel this is why..MONEY.. it has to do with the grants that some of the pow wow use. some grants are for native culter only.. and to win the grant the pow wow commity has to prove or say only native will benifit from this money…thats how most of the bigger powwoos get the big money to pay out the drum and dancers who win… it doesnt stop at the dancer even to the vendors… i been to pow wow where they only let native vendors only and they can only sell handmade things.. no china stuff,mexican blankets.. or road kill shins… so it all about the grants and money
Ruth Swaney
says:Good comment, thanks for pointing that out 🙂
Judy
says:I can certainly understand your thinking that whites are taking EVERYTHING from you and can’t blame anyone for having bad feelings about it. On the other hand I am white with a bit of Indian blood. Not told that fact until I was 12 because the family wasn’t proud of it. I AM very proud of that fact and have been drawn to the Indian culture from my very early years. We had Indian neighbors that I spent time with. It’s not that I “wanna be” I am! It’s deep in my soul. It’s not always so simple…..
carlos rodriguez
says:over the years i have seen outsiders attempt to imulate are culture and that is fine. but in order to preserve it we must limit outside involvement other wise it looses it integraty. simply i say “share with me but dont take from me”.
Peter Thompson
says:So, you say share my meal but do not take my food? It is the same you can not share something with someone without them taking some of it with them. I understand respecting tradition and in doing so how are you going to shut out your own children, grandchildren, and on down the line. If you want to preserve the ways of old them you must teach and to teach you must give some of yourself so my friend what is your answer. Do you want to be COMPLETELY traditional? Remember not all tribes considered each others as family or friends but as enemies so by these standards then you must turn your back on some. Who will it be? To be pure of blood does not make one pure of heart again I ask what is your answer to the people. Do you turn your back on a card carrier because he has parents or grandparents from different tribes. Is this the solution? I am not judging you my friend I am only asking for the answer we all seek what is right and just?
Rose Hayes
says:I agree with you completely, so much has been taken from Native Americans there has to be a stopping point. If your not Indian you don’t know there ways nor there Dance. Nor the sorrows that has come with there lives of people taking away.I love Powwows and the culture my father was 3/4 Cherokee but I have never gotten my proof of bloodline and therefore will not dance, even though I am Cherokee. It is out of respect for my people. Thank you carlos rodriguez for your honesty.
toni acock
says:According to the native ways that I have been taught(metis) we are all one world. We are interwoven with every creature in the universe and respect their lives and their participation in this life…but you say they are not allowed to dance at Pow Wow?
This alone is disturbing. As for those who would further contract their world by only letting certain members of certain tribes dance, this is exclusivity. Exclusivity results in marginalization and a diminishing of members. Do we want to diminish our ranks? Do we want to discourage non tribal indians from participating? Native ways will last as long as we tell about them. Fewer entitled natives will hasten the demise of our traditional ways. We must consider if we are part of the web of life. If we are then we should honor that.
Linn Richardson
says:Honor is Honor. Respect has been earned, and is being rendered. Let us not try to out Bigot others when they are moved by the same spirit we are.
Kathryn Briner
says:This struck me as particularly important as we face bottoming out in blood quantum in a lot of tribes–“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.” My sons are unenrolled Comanche (of Comanche, Kiowa and Plains Apache descent)but they are learning our language and traditions!
Melissa
says:My Mom was of Cherokee descent and my father was of German. They would go to powwows,my Mom did beadweaving. They had a friend, who was of Cherokee descent. He said of my Dad one time that my Dad might not be of Indian descent but he had his heart and soul into everything that was Indian.
pam
says:as many of us feel that possible can not trace our descent due to lost records etc., your family had a very and valuable smart friend
Yansa Ewoha'li
says:I am Cherokee English I attend powwows in England and Europe, and I can attest to the facts, of how over here the people who attend powwows have respect for the ways and traditions, and the powwow’s have a lot of natives attending. Having attended powwows in both Europe and Turtle island, in some cases a lot more respect is shown to the circle here than in turtle Island
Do na da ga whv’i
magikwyrkz4u
says:If a non native shares the same intent and beliefs as our Indian brothers and sisters I see no reason why they should not be allowed to be involved in the ceremonies. Call it what you will but it’s still racism.
lruble
says:On the outside of me the color is white but my blood is Indian’I can’t dance? Yes that is Racism!!!!
Jennifer
says:When I was a child we would visit family in Southern Illinois. Those relatives were all darker than we were. I remember placing my arm against my aunt’s arm and asking why I couldn’t be brown like she was. She would just laugh. Years later I learned that she was from a reservation in Oklahoma. Since she was my great aunt, that meant my grandfather was from that same reservation. She was a wonderful kind woman, but not everyone in the family was. I was not allowed to be a part of some family functions because I had the wrong blood. This I guess was exacerbated by the fact that I was adopted. This was my father’s family. My mother’s family was Irish. They also excluded me from some functions because as my grandmother said,”You are not Irish!” I asked her what I then and she said she didn’t know. Now as a child that answer meant that I was nobody. So what message are you sending? Is it the message you want to send?
Ellaine Brown
says:My husband is half African American and Half Cherokee. He is perceived as a black man. We attend powwows all over the place. I am not native, however I embrace the culture, teach it to my children, and attend powwows and war canoe races as often as possible. I feel that to not allow someone to participate regardless of their skin colour is racist.
irene greasley
says:I have respected and feel very connected to the native Americans,right from my early childhood,during the black and white movies on television.
I am white English UK born.
A previous incarnation I had was as a girl child native American and I was shot through the heart by a redcoat white man.
I work daily with spirit,my drums I have painted with animal totems who came to me in ceremony through dance with another respected white man who is an honoured friend of the native Americans.
I would like to put another perspective on this racist issue,for racist it is sad to say.
Spirit is eternal,and as I have been a native in a past life,has anyone given thought that many natives today were very likely white race people in a previous incarnation too?
I am guided from time to time by some great natives in spirit who were quite well known in their day and marked by history,but for all of the pain they had to endure in their lives,I feel humbled by their presence when I am in prayer,meditation and healing.
Love is the key and the past is past,if nothing else,at least we must learn from it and move on.
It isn’t about the skin we are in but the spirit within..
sassy
says:OMG! Are you for real??
No such thing, and that new age crap is all demonic lady. Please read the Holy Bible. No such thing as reincarnation.
Diana
says:Ob natives Blut oder nicht, egal Es kommt darauf an was das herz sagt. Und wenn ein weißer mensch native tänze mittanzen möchte warum nicht? Auf der einen art möchten die nativen anerkannt werden aber auf der anderen art verhalten sie sich sehr rassistisch. Das ist nicht gut.
sassy
says:Oh please stop! Why is it that whites, Caucasians, non-colored or whatever you want to call yourselves, always want to do what people of color do and emulate all our customs and steal it like everything else they steal, ha?? I’m so sick of you whites every time we want to hold on to what is our culture and complain , you guys have the AUDACITY TO SAY WE ARE RACIST! Sorry not so! We’re just sick of the BS already. Enough said!