Have You Ever Been To A Powwow?

As a Native American person,

I am always inviting people I know

to attend a powwow. They are open to everyone.

Some people don't know what they are, oh no.

Some are afraid of all the Indians in one place!

No one has told me about a bad experience in that space.

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Still, others love powwows for the same reasons as I, to eat!

Wild rice and hominy soup is an available treat

Fry bread plain or used in many ways, you can't beat

but the favorite is frybread tacos

even without guacamole made with avocados!

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I attended a powwow yesterday.

My favorite part is the grand entry

when the powwow starts as the drummers sing

and the dancers all line up to enter the ring.

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The temperature was perfect. Not too hot and not too cold.

When it is hot the bleachers with covers overhead will keep you cool.

The drummers can be in the center or along the edge of the ring, I'm told

where the visitors and dancers sit as a rule.

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As the dancers enter the ring the announcer says the dancer's style.

Men enter first, then women, then youth and toddler wait a while.

A few different dance regalia is men's traditional, grass dancers,

women's traditional, fancy shawl, jingle dress, and a few others.

I have been dancing since I was a young girl. My dad took us to Red Lake every year before I was 10 and we would dance at the 4th of July powwow.

My sister gave me a jingle dress she made years ago and I have been using that. I dance and used to put on quite a show.

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For the past 8 or 9 years, I have participated in the Powwow For Hope fundraiser.

I enjoy the day of dancing and fellowship I experience during this afternoon once a year.

Not the usual powwow length but enjoyable for sure.

The focus is on supporting people who have or have had cancer.

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I am so comfortable at every powwow I have attended

Mille Lacs band of Ojibwe, put some suggestions together for participants to be aware of (they aren't all the same everywhere but similar):

• Bring a chair with you, as there is often not enough seating for everyone. Chairs under the dance arbor (where dances take place) are reserved for dancers only. Chairs with a shawl or blanket draped over them are also reserved.
• Arrive on time to keep the event running as smoothly as possible.
• Do not enter the dance arbor after it has been blessed. The only time guests may enter the arbor is to participate in inter-tribal dances, round dances, blanket dances, or honoring dances announced by the master of ceremonies. Many powwows have a veteran dance, and everyone in attendance is asked to rise and remove their hats as a sign of honor and respect.
• Remain standing and remove any hats during the entire grand entry — the master of ceremonies will announce when it begins.
• Do not refer to dancers’ regalia (clothing) as costumes. These handcrafted outfits are given much thought, time, and expense.
• Do not touch a dancer’s regalia without asking his or her permission.
• Feathers are sacred. If one falls, do not pick it up. Leave it where it is.
• If you want a particular dancer or group of dancers to pose for a photograph, please get their permission. If you are a professional photographer who may use the image in the future for a commercial project, please get permission from the dancer(s) and have them sign a release form.
• Photographing dancers during competitions is usually acceptable. The master of ceremonies generally announces when it is unacceptable to take photographs.
• Alcohol and drugs are prohibited at powwows.
• Pay attention to the master of ceremonies, who often explains powwow protocol to help visitors learn and feel more comfortable. After all, visitors are supposed to relax and have fun!
• Elders first! Native Americans highly value and respect the wisdom that comes with age. When eating, children and young adults serve the Elders, who always eat first. Never step ahead of someone in line who might be older than you, as this is considered very rude behavior.
• Do not use Native American clichés or make “Indian jokes,” even if intended to be fun. Calling Native American men “Chief” would be considered very disrespectful, for instance.