7
Jul
2012
Cross-Cultural Issues - Pow Wow Etiquette
Summer is the time for the Pow Wow Trail. Throughout North America different nations are celebrating their annual pow wows and most are open to visitors. These events are wonderful opportunities to drink in the best of the culture. While things seem pretty free and open, there are rules to observe. Like anything else, it is hard to know what to do unless you are told – so consider the following before heading out to your local pow wow.
While the rules vary slightly from region to region, the following are fairly universal basics:
- Dress and act appropriately. Hot pants, halter tops, swimwear, profanity and ‘making out’ have no place at Pow Wows. If you are going to dance anything other than open intertribals, wear your regalia.
- Seating – Unless you are sure spectator seating will be provided, bring a lawn chair. Remember that the seating immediately around the Arena is for dancers only.
- Do not sit on the benches around the arena. These benches are reserved for the dancers in regalia only. Seats with blankets, shawls or regalia items on them are taken and should not be bothered. Do NOT sit on someone else’s blanket unless invited. Uncovered seats are considered available. You may set up your chairs directly behind the benches, and it is usually good courtesy to ask the permission of the dancer whose bench you are sitting behind, as he/she might have family who are going to sit by him or her.
- Photographs – ask permission before taking pictures of dancers. Many people are sensitive about pictures, so it is always good to be on the safe side and ask. Pictures should NOT be taken during Veterans Songs, Flag Songs, Prayers or any other time announced by the Master of Ceremonies. If the picture is for publication or commercial use, that should be explained before the picture is taken.
- Pointing with the fingers is considered poor manners by some nations. If you must point, use your head and nod in the direction you wish to indicate.
- Pets should be left at home. The Arena is a sacred place from the time it is blessed until the Pow Wow is over. At no time should pets be allowed in the Arena.
- Listen to the Master of Ceremonies. He will give you all of the information you need, as well as entertain you and keep you posted on the news. Any questions you have can be answered by him. He will announce who is to dance and when. Most Pow Wows conduct Intertribals in which the public may participate. Check with the Arena Director for more information. Respect the Head Man and Head Woman Dancers. Their role entitles them to start each song or set of songs. Please wait until they have started to dance before you join in. In some traditions, it is considered improper to pass the Head Man or Woman Dancer within the Arena.
- Behaviour During Special Songs – Always stand during special songs. This includes Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Veteran Songs, Memorial Songs, Prayer Songs, or any other song that the M.C. designates. It is also customary to remove any hats that you have on for the duration of that song. Show respect to the Flag, Honor and Veterans songs by standing until the song is completed.
- Participation in Special Dances – Some songs require that you be familiar with the routine or have special eligibility rules in order to participate. Trot dances, snake, buffalo, etc. require particular steps or routines. Veterans dances may be restricted to Veterans, Combat Veterans or in some cases, the relations of Veterans. If you are not familiar with a particular dance, observe and learn. Watch the Head Dancers to learn the procedures.
- Donations – Most Pow Wows are non-profit and depend upon donations, raffles, blanket dances, etc. for support. Donations are encouraged as a way to honor someone. Any participant can drop money onto the blanket to aid in the powwow expenses.
- Donate money to the Drum. This is done during a blanket dance, when a blanket will be laid out on the ground and a song or songs will be sung. It is customary to place a loonie (or more if you wish) on the blanket and dance the rest of that song, regardless of if you are dressed or not. If you don’t want to dance, you should ask a dancer to place the money on the drum for you. The drum has probably traveled a great distance to give you the beautiful songs you hear, and count on this to help pay their expenses.
- Respect the traditions. Certain items of religious significance should be worn only by those qualified to do so. Never intentionally touch a dancer’s regalia, person or property without permission.
- Behaviour around the Drum – Before sitting at a drum, ask permission from the Head singer. Do not touch a drum without permission. Women do not touch or play the drum. They can sing if invited and they know the songs.
- Clear Minds – Alcohol, recreational drugs and firearms are prohibited at most Pow Wows.
- Lost Feathers – If you see a lost feather, or you yourself drop a feather, do NOT pick it up. Notify the nearest Veteran, the Head Veteran, Head Man Dancer or Arena Director immediately.
- If you have a question, ask. Most dancers, singers, the MC, Arena Director, Elders and staff are happy to help. Offer a cold drink or other small, symbolic gift to those who help you.
- Finally, remember you are a guest. Have fun, ask questions and meet people. Enjoy the crafters and vendors who bring their ware. And bring your appetite – check out the scone dogs, Indian Tacos and much more!
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