By Elder Taz McGillis
A Pow Wow is a wonderful experience, and everyone is welcome to attend. It is a fun event, but also a spiritual and sacred event and there is a certain etiquette that is expected from guests.
If you’ve never been to one, plan to attend one this summer and enjoy the spectacle of the dancing and gain some understanding about the activities going on both in the arena and on the grounds.
The following are some tips to share in hopes that everyone can embrace this age-old tradition.
Pow Wow Protocol
When you attend a Pow Pow, it is important to remember that you are a guest, and an observer of ancient ceremonies and traditions that have survived every possible adversity. Here are things you need to know for accepted behavior:
• Under no circumstances are alcohol or drugs allowed on Pow Wow grounds. Alcohol is the greatest curse ever visited on the Aboriginal people, and it will not be tolerated. If you come to a Pow Wow drunk, or you bring alcohol or drugs with you, you will be escorted out by pow wow security. There is zero tolerance.
• The area for dancing and ceremonies is called the arena, and its boundaries are usually marked by ropes or chairs set in a circle. Be aware that dancers require chairs to sit and a place to store items when they are not dancing. Quite often the first row of chairs near the dance area belong to the dancers. This makes it easier for the dancers to rest or prepare for their next dance. Show respect by not crowding the area of a dancer. Sometimes, there is a sheltered area which can either be in the form of an arbor, or simply a canopy, which designates a resting place for the Elders, the dancers and singers, and the Pow Wow officials. Take care not to sit in these places, which are easy to spot if you pay attention. There will be chairs, articles of clothing, and other personal belongings in plain sight. If you see blankets layed out on chairs or benches, do not sit there as they are reserved for the owner of the blanket. Be respectful for that person or family.
• It is common to see tipis and lodges set up on the grounds. These are not open to the public. Pow Wow participants live in the tipis during the gathering and they are, in fact, their homes for the duration. Respect their privacy. Tipis and other structures set up for classes and demonstrations will be clearly marked. If a map or guide to the area is offered, it would be a good idea to get one.
• Once the dance arena has been blessed with sage and prayer, it becomes spiritual ground. Do not walk across the arena, and don’t allow your children to run into the arena. You will be chastised by the announcer or other Pow Wow official. I can think of no safer place for children than a Pow Wow, but that should not be a signal for them to run wild and be disrespectful.
• Don’t take pictures at random – either still shots or fideo. Some large Pow Wows require that you register your camera, and will put a number on it. The announcer will tell the audience when pictures are permitted. Pay attention and listen to announcers instructions. I have seen cameras confiscated and film destroyed because people did not listen, and did not take instructions seriously. If there is a particular dance you want to photograph, ask permission of the announcer. If he says no, he means it. Some dances are sacred, and are never to be photographed. If you see a dancer who is especially striking, ask if you may take a picture after he or she leaves the arena. It would be a courtesy to take his or her name and address and send a print of the photo. Human kindness and consideration are always long remembered, and deeply appreciated. Protocol for pictures is different depending upon the part of the country you’re in, and the customs of the Pow Wow committee. If you see videos being taken, and professional looking camera crews, chances are they represent a Native organization which sells Pow Wow videos, or newspaper and magazine photographers who have received permission and clearance before the event. Be wise and never assume – ask first.
• A dancer’s clothing is regalia – not a costume – and is a prized possession. Some regalia has been handed down through the generations, and is priceless. When a dancer decides to “come out” in a particular style, the regalia reflects the spirit and customs of the people being honored. This is no small decision, and a “coming out” ceremony for a new dancer is cause for a great celebration. The regalia is handmade, usually by the dancer, friends and family, and every article has special meaning. It takes years to collect the items until the regalia is complete, and this involves no small expense. Do not ever touch a dancer’s regalia without permission. The regalia is an expression of spirit, and has been prayed over and blessed. Honour it, the person wearing it, and the living history it represents.
• Finally, put aside the hollywood image of what an Indian looks like. Natives come in all sizes, shapes and colors. From the milky-skinned blue-eyed blonde and the green-eyed redhead to the dark brown and black, they are all Native in their heritage, blood and heart. Some are tall and stately, some are short and stocky. Some have long, angular faces; some have round faces; some have round eyes; some have almond shaped eyes. As you learn, and become more knowledgeable of Native history and anthropology, you will become aware that these physical characteristics are a clear indication of the lineage of that person’s heritage. Do not be so insensitive as to ask someone if they are Indian, or “how much Indian are you, anyway”? Would you ask a native of Japan “how much Japanese are you, anyway”? Remember good manners work everywhere!
Look, learn, and enjoy the Pow Wow.
Answers to Common Questions
There are some wild ideas out there about Pow Wows and what they are. Some answers to common questions are:
Yes, Pow Wows are open to the public, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike.
Yes, women and children are welcome. Women are encouraged to dress modestly and traditional attire for women is ankle length skirts/dress. (Respect to the grandmothers who have kept the traditions alive.)
Yes, everyone can dance the Intertribal even if you are not wearing regalia.
For women (during menstrual time) it is respectful not to go near sacred items ie: eagle feathers, fans, bustles or drums. Some Pow Wows would rather women do not attend during their moon time. Use your own discretion as to what you consider being respectful.
When in doubt ask someone in charge, usually these are people who are in the MC booth. Communities want visitors and will provide assistance to help it be a positive experience.
Eksoi… asumina nipeeksquan…