Originally, Pow-Wows were ceremonial; today they are open to the public for all to enjoy. A contemporary Pow-Wow is a gathering of tribal people of all nations that helps maintain American Indian heritage. It is a time for Indian families to be together with other family members and friends. Pow-Wows are a time to honor the past and celebrate the future.

The Pow-Wow begins with the Grand Entry. This is the first time the dancers enter the arena led by the staff carriers, Indian veterans, and the head male and female dancers. All in attendance are asked to stand, and men are asked to remove their hats to show respect. After the dancers have entered the arena; a Flag Song is played. Then an Invocation is given by a respected Indian elder, usually in his native language. All remain standing.

After the Invocation, the Master of Ceremonies, introduces the drums and Intertribal dancing begins. All who wish to dance are invited to come into the arena. This is an opportunity for all nations to dance together in friendship.

The Pow-Wow MC has the responsibility to make everyone feel comfortable with the explanation of dances, explanations of various regalia, etc.

The Drum
Drums are considered to have spirits, therefore they are protected and treated with respect. Nothing is set on a drum and usually it is not set directly on the ground. The drumbeat is like a heartbeat that reaches out and connects the dancers to mother earth. Drums may be passed from generation to generation, some are donated or presented to special singers, but all are blessed and given names and can receive gifts. Each drum has its own song but can be used to provide the beat for any kind of celebration or dance. The men who drum and sing on each drum can be referred to as drummers, singers, or can even go by the name of the drum.

The Songs
Although the untrained ear may not recognize the difference, various songs are sung for different events at a Pow-Wow. For example, grand entry, veteran’s songs, dance categories, honoring ceremonies, etc. There are three types of songs: (1) all words (2) all melody (3) mixed vocables and words.

Pow-Wow Dances
Traditional Men’s - A man’s traditional dance is one that has continued from a time when war parties or hunters returned home to dance out the story of tracking an enemy or prey.

Traditional Women’s - Some traditional dresses are made from buckskin while others are made of cloth. Both styles are decorated with beads, shells, or ribbon work to the taste of the wearer.

Men’s Grass - The grass dancer’s outfits are decorated with colorful fringe used in place of grass that dancers originally tucked into their belts.

Jingle Dress - The jingle dress came about as the result of an Ojibwe man’s dream. In his dream, four women explained the dress which is thought of today as a “Medicine Dress”. Jingle dresses are decorated with hundreds of metal cones that make a jingling sound when the wearer dances.

Men’s Fancy Dance - Fancy dancers wear flamboyant outfits with two bustles. One bustle is worn on the lower back and the second is worn around the shoulder area. The dances are identified by the fancy footwork, fast speed and various body movements.

Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance - The fancy shawl dance outfit is made of cloth and is about knee length. High steps, fancy footwork and twirling are all part of the dance to show off their shawl.

1) C. Many Hmong feared the Pathet Lao and fled to the U.S. in the 1970s. During this same period as the Pathet lao, a large wave of Cambodians fled from the Khmer Rouge regime and their horrific “killing fields.” The Cultural Revolution, which took place from 1966 to 1976, occurred in China under General Mao Zedong.

2) B. The publication of Kingston’s family memoir was notable for its mainstream success and was awarded the National Book Award in 1976.

3) C. Ellison Onuizuka was the first Asian American astronaut and was a member of the Challenger that exploded in 1986.

4) B. I.M. Pei is the architect who designed the glass pyramid of the Louvre Museum. John Yau is a critic, poet and essayist and Ang Lee is a director of movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Sense and Sensibility; and The Ice Storm.

5) C. Vera Wang

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