Powwows

                                          Powwow Celebration

A Powwow, Wacipi in the Dakota Language, was originally a spring event to celebrate the seasonal renewal of new life. Powwows are traditional Native American gatherings to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage. They are held annually all over the United States and Canada.

Modern Native Americans still hold powwows. While these still retain religious elements, they are primarily social events. They allow old friends to get reacquainted and new friendships to form.Usually the public is invited and vendors set up booths to sell everything from Native American jewelry to traditional Native American foods, such as fry bread and Indian tacos. They are also occasions for traditional singing and dancing, which can be both entertaining and educational for non-Native Americans attending the powwow.

A powwow session begins with the Grand Entry, during which all the dancers line up by dance style and age, then enter the arena while one of the host drums sings a special song. Normally, the first in are veterans carrying flags and eagle staffs, followed by the head dancers, then the dancers follow in a specific order: Men's Traditional, Men's Grass Dance, Men's Fancy, Women's Traditional, Women's Jingle, and Women's Fancy. Teens and small children then follow in the same order.

The circle, an important symbol to Native American people, is used extensively in powwows. The dancers are in the center, the drums and the audience circle around them and the concessions surround the gathering. The powwow brings the circle of people closer to family, friends and the comfort and vitality of their culture. 

There are many different types of songs sung at powwows such as honor songs, veteran songs and war party songs, ranging from war and religion to various social customs. These songs are usually sung in "non-lexical vocables". The singers usually accompany themselves on drums. In fact, this group is normally called the "Drum." The number of participants can vary, but there are usually at least four. While the Drum sings and drums, the dancers dance.

Visiting a powwow is more than an entertaining way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Although powwows have evolved over time and the singing and dancing seen at a modern powwow is different from former times, they are still evocative of a bygone age. They help to keep alive the traditional cultures of the Native American peoples.