Powwow Etiquette Porcupine, SD
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The following is from the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and is a good overview of what powwows are all about and what to do if you attend one.

Would you like to go to a powwow, but aren't quite sure what to expect? Have you been to powwows and wondered what they're all about?

The following tips might help at your next powwow:

If a powwow is advertised as "open to the public" it's okay for you to attend, even if you're not a member of an Indian tribe.

Wear your most confortable clothing to a powwow. You don't have to dress up.

There's a dance circle at every powwow. Please don't enter the dance circle unless you're participating in a dance.

There's usually an area in the dance circle where drum groups sit. Please don't enter this area unless you've been invited.

A powwow opens with a parade of dancers, called the Grand Entry. This is followed by honor songs and an invocation (often in the host tribe's native language). Please stand and remove your hat during these events.

It's okay to take photos or videos at a powwow, except during honor songs and invocations. Listen to the powwow announcer--he or she will tell you when you should stand up, remove your hat, or put your camera away.

If you hear the announcer say that a "ceremonial drum" will be used for a song, put your camera away.

When the announcer says it's time for an intertribal, everyone's invited to dance! You can dance in your street clothes if you want. Just move sun-wise (clockwise) around the circle, following the basic step used by traditional dancers--tap the ball of one foot on the ground on the first beat, then place it flat on the ground on the next. Repeat the action with your other foot, without missing a beat.

Just remember, there are no spectators at a powwow. You're a participant whether you're drumming, dancing, or watching the activities. Enjoy yourself!

The Pow Wow Trail : Understanding and Enjoying the Native American Pow Wow
by Julia C. White, Diana E. Stanley (Illustrator)

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