This Pow Wow Etiquette section includes a collection of information which is intended to help the reader better understand and enjoy the events and activities which occur at many of the plains area pow wows and celebrations.
Because the customs, rules and regulations may vary from one celebration to another, this should serve only as a basic guide.
This information is offered as a general guide to help the reader to be more knowledgeable and better able to understand and enjoy the history, events, activities of a pow wow.
Here are some basic rules you should observe when you are a guest at a pow wow.
The centerpiece of the powwow grounds is the dance ring – also known as the arena or dance arbor or dance circle. The dance circle is sacred ground, like a church, and should be treated with respect. Don’t let children play in the circle. Don’t take a shortcut across the arena, don’t walk animals near or on the circle, don’t fight or curse within hearing of the dance ring. These are signs of disrespect. In general, if you wouldn’t do it in your own church, don’t do it in or near the dance arena.
Most dance arbors have limited seating provided around the perimeter of the circle. The front row is reserved for elders and dancers, so don’t sit there. Also, if there is a shawl or blanket on a seat, someone is reserving it, so don’t sit there. Don’t sit in lawn chairs that aren’t yours. Because seating is usually limited, it is customary to bring a lawn chair to the pow wow if you wish to be sure of a place to sit.
The arena director or MC will explain what is going on. He will tell you when it’s ok to take pictures, and when it’s not okay. Please honor his instructions. Some ceremonies and dances are so sacred, they should not be photographed. Generally, you can take pictures of group dancing in the arena at most pow wows for your personal use, unless the arena director tells you not to take pictures of a particular dance or ceremony.
However, if you attend a pow wow at a Pueblo in New Mexico or sponsored by the Hopi tribe, pay special attention to their policies regarding cameras and video equipment. These cultures are especially sensitive to unauthorized photography, and will definitely enforce their rules.
Most of the Pueblos do not allow photography of any kind, or you need a special permit which has a hefty fee and you must first explain what you will do with the photos. You can get your camera confiscated, escorted off their property, or even arrested, so follow the rules carefully.
Outside of the dance arena, always ask dancers first if you can take their picture. Most dancers will allow photographs, but if they decline, be polite and simply go ask someone else.
Do Not refer to a dancer’s outfit as a costume. These are not costumes. A costume is what you wear for Halloween or play acting. To equate a dancer’s regalia with a costume is insulting. Many dancers will be very annoyed by this. You may call it regalia or simply refer to it as his or her outfit.
Never touch a dancer’s outfit or any part of his/her regalia, including feathers. These items are likely family heirlooms passed down through generations, or they were made especially for the dancer, involving hundreds of hours of labor, and have deep spiritual meaning to the dancer.
They are delicate and hard to clean. Regalia is easily soiled by the oils on your hands, especially on leather and feathers. Be respectful and keep your hands to yourself. A nice gesture, which is appreciated by many dancers, is to offer to send them a copy of your photos of them.
It is a sign of respect for male spectators to remove their hats while watching the dancing. You should stand for all Grand Entries, Flag and Veteran songs, and other times as directed by the Arena Director, except if you have a physical problem that makes this hard for you, then you can stay seated.
The Grand Entry, Flag, and Veteran’s songs are among the most sacred, so just like the singing of your national anthem, you shouldn’t be talking or fidgeting while they are sung.
Some pow wows don’t allow pets, so if you plan to bring yours, check on this before traveling long distances. If you do bring a pet, it should be on a leash at all times, and kept away from the dance arena and out of vendor booths and food areas. You should bring sealable plastic bags to pick up after your pet’s bathroom needs.
Tipis and brush arbors in the encampment are private property, just like your RV or tent, and should be respected as such. Do not enter other people’s tipis or camp space unless you are invited.
Comments and suggestions are welcomed for improving future revisions.
Powwows are open to everyone who wants to attend, learn, and enjoy the diverse expressions of Indigenous art, music, and dance. Here are some common terms and their meanings that you may encounter at a powwow:
Powwow: The word powwow comes from the Narragansett word powwaw, meaning “spiritual leader”. It was originally used to describe a healing ceremony, but later it was applied to any gathering of Native people for social or cultural purposes.
Grand Entry: This is the opening ceremony of a powwow, where all the dancers enter the arena in a specific order, led by the flag bearers, veterans, elders, royalty, and head staff. The grand entry is accompanied by an honor song sung by the host drum.
Drum: The drum is the heartbeat of the powwow. It is a large, round instrument made of wood and animal hide that is played by a group of singers who sit around it in a circle. The drum represents the voice of the Creator and the ancestors.
Singers: The singers are the musicians who provide the songs for the dancers. They usually belong to a drum group that has a name and a distinctive style. The singers must know many different types of songs for different occasions and categories of dance.
Dancers: The dancers are the participants who showcase their skills, creativity, and regalia in various dance styles. Each dancer has a personal expression and interpretation of the music and the meaning behind their dance. Dancers can compete for prizes or dance just for fun and to honor their ancestors.
Regalia: The regalia is the term used to describe the clothing and accessories worn by the dancers. It is not a costume, but a reflection of the dancer’s identity, heritage, and spirit, often handed down from generation to generation. Regalia can include feathers, beads, quills, bells, fringes, ribbons, and other items that add color, sound, and movement to the dance.
Dance Categories: There are many different dance categories at a powwow, each with its own history, rules, and style.
You can attend a powwow near you and experience it for yourself!
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