What to Expect When Attending Your First Native American Pow-Wow

Since my early adult days, I had tried to make it a point to attend pow-wow as often as was humanly possible. Now that I have been working more and have certain medical conditions that prevent me from going, I would like to be able to share my experiences with you so that you can actually be able to share in this experience that I have had personally.

In areas where pow-wows are held (typically here in Oregon and some of the Southwestern and Midwestern states), it usually begins late in the evening about 7pm for what is called 'Grand Entry'. Grand Entry is what usually begins the event and is basically the entry of many of the groups that have actually put together the event and also some visiting Native American drum groups that have been invited to provide the music. You will also see many of the chiefs and elders of the tribes in the local areas as well, along with Native American princesses and dancers of all ages that have won various dancing events either in the state or across the country. There are dressed in full regalia typically and when they come in, they usually come in a line and make sure that everyone has the ability to see them and take their time in doing so. This is not meant as an arrogant act, but rather as a way of connecting with others around them and as a symbol of respect towards all cultures that may be attending. What most people do not know is that pow-wows are not simply attended by Native Americans. There is usually a myriad of people from all cultures that do attend these events that use it as a way of attempting to understand the culture and their beliefs. To those of us that are Native American, this is our form of Sunday church. This is our way of practicing what we believe and showing just how much that those beliefs mean to us ad our approach to society as a norm.

The next event is usually what is termed as a 'round dance'. This dance consists of the crowd making two large circles, one outside and one inside. The purpose of this is two things: the first is for everyone to at least be able to shake hands and be able to greet people in friendship as well as unity. the other is that the two hoops that are created symbolize what ifs known as 'The Great Hoop'. The 'Great Hoop' in the Native American belief is how we as people not only connect to each other but also to nature as well as to a higher being. Each hoop symbolizes also that as long as those hoops remain connected, we will never lose connection with the other three, with the last being the most important. The last is what is called 'Creator', or what other faiths and religions call 'God'. Creator is the same emphasis, but under a different name. In the Native American belief structure, Creator is the entire of who we are as a people. He is within us, without in nature, and was the maker of all things upon our world. There is also that belief that nature with its connections to Creator always has something to tell us in the form of lessons or simply just chatter about what it is that we are supposed to learn when we are here. It is because of the round dance that is this focus and what allows us to speak to things that are beyond ourselves and also with everyone that we would call 'brothers' that inhabit this world with us.

Once the round dance has been completed, this is when the real fun begins. There is usually a lot of singing that come from the many drums that come. typically, there are usually ten to fifteen that attend. I have heard, however, of there being as many as one hundred in one sole gathering alone from many others that I have spoken to that have attended these pow-wows. This alone would have been a record attendance in my own mind. When you listen to the singing, what must be taken into account is that to the normal mind, it sounds a like like screaming. The truth is that what is happening is that this is actually 'chanting', not unlike the same way that a Jewish cantor would chant to God during some of their religious days, such as Yom Kippur or Passover. In Native American chanting, these words are our prayers that we send to Creator in times of trouble, but mostly in times of gladness. Native American culture has been rich in history, even with all of the ups and downs that we have encountered over the centuries. Sometimes it can be something as simple as a 'thank you' for being able to be in his presence to a remembrance of our ancestors and the trials that they have endured over the years in making the nations strong and being able to live their lives according to the wishes of the Creator. Inf one were to think about it, it sounds very much like the very same beliefs that come from many other religions, such as Catholicism and Protestantism.

Then, we also cannot forget the dancing. The dancing is, by far, one of my favorite parts. There are so many dances that you can see. There are Grass Dances, Owl Dances, and so many more that are exhibited at these events and they are a wonder to behold. There are also many booths that have food and many other Native American arts and crafts that are for sale. There are Native American music cd's (R.Carlos Nakai is a master of the Native American flute!) and much much more!

The last thing that I would like to state is that if and when you decide to go, the best way to attend these things is simply because you want to. The idea of going in with a mind that you're out to reach some anthropological or cultural understanding will not help you in enjoying this experience any better. The best thing that I can recommend is to simply walk in, sit down, and drink in the atmosphere. Sample some of the frybread there (let me tell you, it is delicious). take a look at some of the booths, and also make it point to get out there and dance. the fact of the matter is that it doesn't matter that if you look foolish or not or think that you may not be good enough. The real truth is that you are there and that there are no pressures or anything that you need to prove. The mere fact that you are there is a sign that you do want to understand, and that is enough.

To find out more information about where local pow-wows may be happening in your area, contact you local community colleges, universities, and Native American clubs. Also, look around your town and see if there may be posters or flyers posted in grocery stores and other areas.

I have been richer in my life experiences attending this events, and I hope you would be also.