Attending your
first powwow:
The powwow as it is presently known is an
intertribal event, dating from the 1880s, and while it owes much to pre-contact traditions, it responds to a fundamental
binary view of Native populations in conflict with European culture. The name
is derived from an Algonquian word, pau wau (“he dreams”) linked to “medicine” and “healing,”
both in the broadest sense. While similar gatherings certainly occurred before
European contact, once Native Americans were consigned to reservations, the
need to create broader connections asserted itself.
In big cities,
the event may be held in a civic auditorium, but the more traditional venue is
a brush arbor:
These structures
were also used for evangelical Christian revivals in rural areas throughout the
nineteenth and into the twentieth century; it is not clear whether the
Christian tradition inspired the powwow or vice versa.
It’s a good idea
to use the contact information provided to confirm dates (things change), and
to make double sure that it is open to the public. However, most powwows are
open to the public, and anything that’s publicized, it’s safe to assume you’re
welcome. The event will include singing,
drumming, ceremonial dancing and native dress, including full ceremonial
regalia (the word “costume” is often felt to trivialize these handcrafted
family heirlooms; best not to use it). The dancers will not mind your interest,
but experience tells us that this needs saying: don’t touch. I once heard
of a visitor plucking a sacred eagle-feather from a warrior’s outfit as a souvenir.
I hope that was just a story, but it’s a cautionary tale. The general rule is,
if a dancer in a big outfit is coming your way, make room.
Don’t miss the
grand entrance – it’s one of the most moving spectacles you can hope to see. Be
ready to stand and take your hat off for the opening songs. Feel free to bring
a lawn chair, but do not place it in front of the dancers’ chairs, and never
sit in someone else’s chair. About the only really strict prohibition you have
to observe is not to enter the inner circles unless specifically invited. There
will be a flag song, and a veterans’ song. These events are patriotic in a nonpartisan
way; warrior cultures honor veterans. If you have a problem with that, you
should reflect on whether it’s really for you.
This is a social and
cultural event, but it’s also religious -- not sectarian or doctrinal, but
invested with deep reverence. You are going to see people engaged in elaborate
and deeply traditional rituals and ceremonies, and that can make a person
anxious about making a wrong step, but don’t let that trouble you. In general,
conduct yourself as if you were in the home of the most respected friends of
your most beloved relatives. Anything you wouldn’t do there, don’t do here. But
remember, nobody is looking for you to make a mistake. They want you to have a
good time, and they want to share. Don’t worry about doing it right.
Please be
especially careful about stewarding your environment.
The thing that struck me most about my first powwow was this: these folks had
camped out for three days, and there wasn’t so much as a cigarette-butt or a
gum-wrapper to be seen on the ground. I never heard so much please and thank you in all my life.
At virtually all
powwows, alcohol is strictly forbidden, and as for recreational drugs, wow, don’t
even think about it. At most events, tobacco may be used according to local
laws and norms, along with common sense and respect. There will be plenty of
food and drink available for purchase, and part of the reason you’re there is
to try the specialties.
These are friendly events, and people will converse with you. For what it’s worth, I’ll simply report that I was once told that it’s a bad idea to discuss your own Native American ancestry unless you have lived in a tribal environment or are an enrolled member of a tribe.
You may be invited to participate in the dancing. Particularly if the invitation comes from an elder, it is not respectful to decline. “Oh, no, I don’t know how” is not an appropriate response. Guaranteed: no one will ever laugh at you, but they might be hurt if you refuse hospitality. It’s easy. Observe others and do likewise. Relax.
There is normally
an admission fee (the organizers had to pay for the space, the setup, the
insurance, etc), and you will have a chance to purchase Native American
handicrafts as well as food and drink. However, this is not a carnival or
fair. Dignity and respect are essential values – remember those things and
you won’t go wrong. If you feel it’s an honor to be there, you’re in the right
frame of mind.
For further illumination, I recommend the following helpful guide to powwow etiquette:
http://www.powwow-power.com/powwowetiquette.html
It is traditional to donate a few dollars to the drummer at some dances. Photography is usually permitted, but you should always ask permission. In some cases, a small gratuity is expected.
Here’s a bit more guidance:
http://calstaging.bemidjistate.edu/en3160f01/ejmoore/howto.html