What is a
POW WOW?
A POW WOW is many
things: a gathering of Native American people to celebrate
their rich heritage; to socialize with old friends and to make new friends;
an opportunity to expose non-Indians to the colorful centuries-old traditions
of the various dances and Native American crafts; and to educate the POW WOW
visitors with storytelling and various demonstrations.
The POW WOW is set up in a circle, a
very important symbol to Native Americans.
The drums are the heartbeat in the center of the circle. Dancers will dance their style
around the circle, and when the master of ceremonies announces a "social" dance,
visitors will be invited to join them in the circle to dance. Dancers dance
clockwise
around the drum arbor.
The POW WOW begins with
the grand entry, a parade of dancers, led into the
circle by flags with the American flag always carried by a Native American Veteran.
After grand entry song, a flag song will follow, then an invocation blessing
the gathering, posting of the colors, and then..........................................
the POW WOW dancing begins.