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I have been to numerous POW WOW’s and there is nothing as wonderful as to when you stand in the sacred circle and a hawk fly’s over.  I felt a need to have this post for visitors to POW WOW’s because there is a need for people to understand the sacred culture so I hope in posting this people will get an understanding of how important it is to follow these rules.

POW WOW
– If you have never been to a Pow Wow, here are a few rules that may
help you feel more at home. Keep in mind that customs vary from
region to region and Pow Wow to Pow Wow. When in doubt quietly wait
until there is a break in the action and ask the folks near the drum(S) to point you towards the Arena Director.

1) Dress and act appropriately. Hot pants, halter tops, swimwear,
profanity and ‘making out’ have no place at Pow Wows. If you are
going to dance anything other than open intertribals, wear your
regalia.

2) Pointing with the fingers is considered poor manners by some
nations. If you must point, use your head and nod in the direction
you wish to indicate.

3) The seating around the Arena is reserved for dancers in
regalia. Seats with blankets, shawls or regalia items on them are
taken and should not be bothered. Do NOT sit on someone else’s
blanket unless invited. Uncovered seats are considered available.

                                   
4) Pets should be left at home. The Arena is a sacred place from
the time it is blessed until the Pow Wow is over. At no time should
pets be allowed in the Arena.

5) Listen to the Master of Ceremonies. He will announce who is to
dance and when. Most Pow Wows conduct Intertribals in which the
public may participate. Check with the Arena Director for more
information.

6) Pictures should NOT be taken during Veterans Songs, Flag Songs,
Prayers or any other time announced by the Master of Ceremonies. If
you wish to photograph a dancer in regalia, ask first. If the
picture is for publication or commercial use, that should be
explained before the picture is taken.

7) Respect the Head Man and Head Woman Dancers. Their role
entitles them to start each song or set of songs. Please wait until
they have started to dance before you join in. In some traditions,
it is considered improper to pass the Head Man or Woman Dancer
within the Arena.

        
8) Show respect to the Flag, Honor and Veterans songs by standing
until the song is completed.

9) Some songs require that you be familiar with the routine or have
special eligibility rules in order to participate. Trot dances,
snake, buffalo, etc. require particular steps or routines. Veterans
dances may be restricted to Veterans, Combat Veterans or in some
cases, the relations of Veterans. If you are not familiar with a
particular dance, observe and learn. Watch the Head Dancers to
learn the procedures.

10) The Flag Song, or Indian National Anthem, is sung when the
American Flag is raised or lowered. Please stand and remove hats
during the singing of this song. It is not a song for dancing.
Pictures are not allowed during these songs.

11) Most Pow Wows are non-profit and depend upon donations,
raffles, blanket dances, etc. for support. Donations are encouraged
as a way to honor someone. Any participant can drop money onto the
blanket to aid in the powwow expenses.

13) Certain items of religious significance should be worn only by
those qualified to do so. Respect the traditions. Never
intentionally touch another dancers regalia, person or property
without permission.

14) Giveaways, attributes of Indian generosity, are held at many
dances. They are acknowledgments of appreciation to recipients for
honor or service given to the people. When receiving a gift, the
recipient thanks everyone involved in the giving.

                           
15) If you wish to ask for a special song from a drum, talk to the
Area Director first and make sure the Master of Ceremonies is
informed. It is traditional to make a gift (monetary or otherwise)
to the Drum for special requests.

16) Before sitting at a drum, ask permission from the Head singer.
Do not touch a drum without permission.

17) If at any time you are uncertain of procedure, etc., please
check with the MC, Arena Director, or Head Singer. They will be
glad to help you with your questions.

18) Unless you are sure spectator seating will be provided, bring a
chair. Remember that the seating immediately around the Arena is
for dancers only.

            
19) Alcohol, recreational drugs and firearms are prohibited at most
Pow Wows.

20) If you see a lost feather, or you yourself drop a feather, do
NOT pick it up. Notify the nearest Veteran, the Head Veteran, Head
Man Dancer or Arena Director immediately.

21) Before dancing barefoot speak with the Arena Director. At some
events this may only be done by Sundancers known to the organizers.

22) In some places it is OK for adults to dance while carrying
infants or small children. In other places this is considered
contrary to local etiquette. Ask before doing so.

23) If you have a question, ask. Most dancers, singers, elders and
staff are happy to help. Offer a cold drink or other small,
symbolic gift to those who help you.
                           

I want to mention if you have never been to a POW WOW please visit one, speak to the elders for they have a wealth of knowledge.

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

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