A Significant Gathering

The PowWow is a Native American gathering focusing on dance, song and family celebration. Traditionally, it is a celebration presented by one tribe or band to welcome and honor others. PowWows are usually two or three day weekend events and people may travel great distances to attend. The main PowWow season is summer, however there has been a resurgence of PowWows in the last decade, making it possible to attend a Powwow every weekend year round in North America. All people (including non-Native American people) are welcome at PowWows and are encouraged to attend one, as experiencing a PowWow can be a valuable and fascinating cultural experience for non-Native American people unfamiliar with our neighbors, the Native American people.

There are several different kinds of PowWows, though the two most common are known as traditional and competition PowWows, respectively. In traditional Powwows everyone who participates in the dance or singing programs is awarded day money. While there is still a degree of competition in the dancing events, it is somewhat informal and ceremonies such as honorings, giveaways, "first" dances and adoptions are also important activities of the day. A competition PowWow, on the other hand, has significant prize money available for the dancers, depending upon the resources available to the individual host tribe. While everyone can still compete and dance, only the dancers who place near the top of the competition receive prize money. Drum groups also compete for prize money.

The PowWow is organized by the PowWow committee, a dedicated group of members of the host tribe. Their work involves the bringing together of the drums, dancers, entertainment, food, crafts booths, and the administration of the PowWow grounds (parking, registration, camping, sanitation, sound system, and security). Once the PowWow begins, it is run by the Master of Ceremonies (MC) and Arena Directors. Different MCs have different styles and the choice of an MC greatly influences the feel of the PowWow. The MCs provide a running commentary of events, announcements, and most importantly background information about the dances, rituals and spirit of the PowWow. Instilling appropriate humor into the proceedings is also the work of the MC. The Arena Directors keep the event moving and manage the flow of activity in the arena. At any one time, they may be telling the drums who will play next and what kind of song to have ready, seeing to the accommodations of the judges, or organizing the dancers. It is an extremely active and important job.

Judges are changed for each category and are chosen for their knowledge of the dance style and drum. They judge dancers on their style and form, regalia and ability to stay in time with the drum and stop on the final beat.

Socials are a less formal, sometimes smaller, version of a PowWow which are put on by Social Committees from various bands or clans within a tribe for the purpose of bringing the tribe together to share in the harmony, spirit, and fellowship of the tribe.  Other Native Americans from other tribes typically attend these events and it's also open to the general public.

Socials are also presented to provide an opportunity to teach dances, drumming, singing, and to share in the traditions of the Native American culture among the generations within in the tribe.  These Socials are an excelleent opportunity for youths and young children to learn new skills and to practice what they've learned from the adults and elders who are presenting each tradition.

Socials are also a great way for the Elders of the tribe to share stories with the participants and visitors about the Native American culture and history.  Typically, Socials are performed to present this learning experience, to pass on the knowledge of the Native American heritage to the next generation, and to strengthen the fellowship of the tribe, not just within the tribe itself but with neighboring tribes and the community.

Each event is special in its own right and it's suggested that one who shows up to participate or spectate to come with an open heart and with the mindset to learn about the culture presented.