Powwow

• Main
• What is a Powwow?
• Etiquette
• Trader's Registration

Men Dancers

• Traditional
• Fancy
• Grass

Women Dancers

• Traditional
• Fancy Shawl
• Jingle

Photo Gallery

• 2000 Powwow
• 2001 Powwow
• 2002 Powwow

What is a Powwow?

Powwows are an important part of many nations' traditions, having both cultural and spiritual significance. So we ask that you respect our customs by following the guidelines listed below and by asking questions. Because each nation may do things differently, it is impossible to give one ubiquitous definition of what a powwow is and what happens at it. All we can offer is a clearer picture of our powwow and our tradition, and hopefully, this will give you a place to start your understanding of Native American customs.

There are many different types of powwows, from traditional, to competition, to friendship. Ours is a friendship powwow, meaning that it is open to all and free. At the powwow, you will notice that dancers are dressed in many different types of regalia (NOT costumes), and each of these types of regalia signify what type of dancer the dancer is. Some of the more common types of dancers include traditional (male and female), fancy dancers (male and female), jingle dress (female), and grass dancers (male). Each type of dance has special meaning and a different way of moving. (NOTE: For more information on each type of dancer, please make a selection on the left.)

During the powwow, there are leaders, one male and one female, who initiate the dance and whom all the other dancers follow. Dancers will precede around the arena in a clockwise fashion, with the drums in the middle of the circle and with the entrance at one end and the MC at the other. At various times during the event, the MC will announce an intertribal dance, and at this time you may enter the arena and follow the lead dancers. Other special dances include the veterans dance, during which time anyone who has served in the military is invited in to be honored. There may be other special honoring dances throughout the event.

Our powwow is meant to be a chance for the community to learn about aspects of Native American life, both traditional customs and modern concerns. We hope to use this opportunity to share with you a bit of our ways while raising donations for a Native American scholarship. If you have any questions about the event or if you'd like to know how you can help with the scholarship, please contact us.

Thank you, and we hope that you have a good time at the powwow.