Powwow Etiquette
When you attend a powwow, 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 proper behavior:
Appropriate dress and behavior is required in the arena. Anyone unwilling to abide by this rule will be asked to leave the grounds by the Arena Director.
Arena chairs are reserved for dancers. Dancers wishing to reserve a space should place a blanket in that space before the dance begins. Please do not sit on someone else's blanket unless invited. Uncovered chairs are considered unreserved.
Listen to the Master of Ceremonies (MC). He will announce who is to dance and when.
Respect the positions of 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.
When not dancing, be quiet and respect the Arena. Be aware that someone standing behind you may not be able to see over you. Make room, step aside, sit or kneel,if someone is behind you. Be considerate. Respect the Elders.
Show respect to the flag and honor songs by standing during "special" songs. Stand in place until the sponsors of the song have danced a complete circle and have come around you. Then you may join in the dance. If you are not dancing, continue to stand quietly until the song is completed. Remove hats.
While dancing at any powwow, honor the protocol of the sponsoring group.
Some songs require that you dance only if you are familiar with the routine or are eligible to participate. Trot dances, snake, buffalo, etc. require particular steps or routines. If you are not familiar with these dances, observe and learn. Watch the Head Dancers to learn the steps. Only veterans are permitted to dance some veterans' songs, unless otherwise stated: Listen to the MC for instructions.
The Flag Song, or Indian National Anthem, is sung when the American flag is raised or lowered. Please stand and remove hats during the singing of this song. It is not a song for dancing.
Powwows are usually 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. You may support the powwow committee by buying raffle tickets and adding general donations to the donation jars. Red Paint Powwow will have donation jars available during the event.
Certain items of religious significance should be worn only by those qualified to do so. Respect the traditions.
Giveaways, attributes of Indian generosity, are held at many dances. They are acknowledgments of appreciation to recipients for honor given. When receiving a gift, the recipient thanks everyone involved in the giving. NOTE: All specials and giveaways must be coordinated with the Master of Ceremonies. Please remember that it is traditional to make a monetary contribution to the Drum for this respect � clear this through the MC.
If at any time you are uncertain of procedure or etiquette, please check with the MC, Arena Director or Head Singer. They will be glad to help you with your questions.
If taking photographs, ask the dancer first. Remember common courtesy and ask permission. Group photographs are usually alright to take, but you might want to ask the committee first.
Remember that in each area you travel to and visit, things can and will be slightly different than in your area. Different groups have different customs and methods of doing things. Different is not wrong, just different. Be respectful of the uniqueness of each area.
No alcohol or drugs are allowed at powwows. Please do not litter. Please recycle.