Your First Pow Wow: How to Observe, Participate & Support Indigenous Culture

Tis the season for Pow wows, although I am not a member of a North American First Nation, I embrace the strength, vitality and persistence of cultures which have retained traditional knowledge, and are keepers of wisdom that is much needed today, despite the efforts to erase that wisdom.

I have had the pleasure of attending many pow wows over the years. The Grand River Champion of Champions in Ohsweken, and the Neyaashiinigmiing Annual Traditonal Pow Wow, and various urban Pow wows in Ontario, Canada. I share what I have experienced from a visitors perspective and hope that it will encourage you to visit a pow wow yourself.

In these times of truth and reconciliation, the coming together of people at a pow wow is an acknowledgement of gratitude. It is a time for the territory to recall the memories, when what is known as Turtle Island to First nations, was filled with indigenous people going about their daily lives, before being changed forever by contact. Even the trees seem to sway, as the breeze gently ruffles their mature foliage towards the verdant clearing before the start of a pow wow.

“Life’s A Powwow, Make A Grand Entry!” – First Nations Proverb

Grand Entry

The crowd respectfully rises in anticipation of the entry of the veteran warriors, flags held high. The drumming beats in sync with the heart of the people.

The Pow Wow begins. This moment is so sacred that no cameras are allowed to record as the ancestors commune through the drums. No dogs may enter the confines, the reason for this and other teachings can be found in the teachings of Basil Johnson, an Anishinaabe story teller and language teacher, as well as in the stories other elders.

This celebratory gathering has evolved over the years, and credit is given to the Northern Plains First Nations for reintroducing cultural ceremonies to honour the Creator, Mother Earth, and the resilience of the people of Turtle island. Such gatherings had previously been banned as part of the annihilation policies of past governments. Now, not only First Nations, but people from the Four Sacred Directions of the indigenous medicine wheel come together to participate, socialise and bask in the warmth of unity.

When pow wows are held in nature, there is a sense of the ancestors watching. Summer is the time for the two main kinds of pow wow, the traditional and competition pow wow. The traditional is the smaller of the two, and is intertribal except for the opening ceremonies. Dancers may perform for an honorarium, such as food or gifts.

The competition pow wow is a modern innovation, and involves dancing in various categories for prize money. Some traditionalists see dancing for cash as a negative development. However, in both types of pow wow, the regalia is beautiful, with intricate bead work, embroidered materials and plummed headdresses. The finely adorned participants are usually okay with photos if you ask first.

Dances, Drums, Songs

Watch the men’s dances carefully and see if you can tell which animal they are imitating, while the dazzling footwork of the men’s Fancy Dance captivates you. The women are not to be outdone with their display of athletic moves in the Fancy Shawl dance and slow rhythm of the Jingle Dress dance.

The M.C. will announce the Intertribal dance where everyone is invited to join in, moving clockwise in the circle.

The drum is central to the pow wow, the pulsing heart beat which keeps life flowing, while the singing is the Nations hymn to the Creator. The powerful vibrato of the singers, and the drums bass set the pace for the the dances.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children,” First Nations Proverb

The dancers emerge in full regalia, the variations in their appearance represents the many tribes. In Ontario, that includes, People of the Three Fires, Six Nations, Cree, and many other nations. Intertribal competitions add to the diversity, as groups such as Black Seminoles, and Cherokees come up from the Southern United States to participate with their Northern cousins.

Food

Part of the joy of pow wow is the availability of indigenous food. Many band members who left their territories for the cities miss those unique meals. The smell of bannock/scone/fried bread teases the air, and the bison burger on the barbecue comes in strong, with a cool strawberry drink or lemonade sweetening the deal. Corn soup, and Indian taco are golden oldies, and each bite brings back memories to the initiated, or starts new ones for beginners.

Arts and crafts

The arts and crafts at pow wows will make your head spin. From woodland art to ribbon shirts, each craft is a legacy to the next generation. We can’t forget the beadwork which is a labour of love.

While meandering through the vendors, the unmistakable scent of sweetgrass will permeate the air. It is often mixed with white sage for use in smudging and purifying spaces. and is sold at pow wows, so you can cleanse your own home.

Silver Jewellery is highly prized, you can find handmade artisan pieces available specially crafted with stones like turquoise or shells.

Final Thoughts

Attending a pow wow in nature is a quintessential summer experience. It shares the African Sankofa principle, and anchors the indigenous legacy to the land. Don’t miss this opportunity to smell the sweetgrass, and dance in the inter tribal dances.

Tread the grass with mindful intention. Embrace the feminine energy of the Earth. Bring your heart, respect, and willingness to enjoy the experience.

Recommended Reading

We Dance Because We Can: People of the Powwow by Diane M. Bernstein

Heartbeat of the People – Music and Dance of the Northern Pow–wow by Tara Browner

Ojibway Ceremonies by Basil Johnson