|
Pow
Wow time is the Native American people's way of meeting together, to
join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and make
new ones.
This is a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich
heritage.
There are several different stories of how the Pow Wow was started. Some
believe that the war dance societies of the Poncha and other Southern
Plains tribes were the origin of the Pow Wow.
Another belief is that when the Native Americans were forced onto
reservations the government also forced them to have dances for the
public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the
town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.
Pow Wow singers are very important figures in the Native American
culture. Without them there would be no dancing. The songs are of many
varieties, from reliegious to war to social.
As various tribes gathered together, they would share their songs, often
changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With these
changes came the use of "vocables" to replace the words of the
old songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in vocables with no words.
Yet they still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many
songs are still sung in native tongue either newly composed or revivals
of old songs. These songs are reminders to the Indian people of their
old ways and rich heritage.
Dancers have always been a very important part of the life of the
American Indian. Most dancers seen at Pow Wows today are social dances
which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance
styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not.
The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today
evolve over time, it is not a stagnet culture, but a vibrant and
changing way of life.
Pow Wow are organized by committees that work for weeks before the
event. At the Pow Wow, the MC runs the events. The MC works with the
Arena Director to keep the Pow Wow organized and running smoothly. These
two individuals along with the committee work hard to bring the people
together to dance and fellowship together in the circle.
The Pow Wow begins by the Grand Entry. This is the entry of all the
people entering the arena. This originally was a parade through the town
the Pow Wow was in. Even today in some Pow Wows, these parades are still
held. During this, everyone is asked to stand as the flags are brought
into the arena. The flags carried generally include the US flag, tribal
flags, POW flag, and eagle staffs of various tribes present. These are
usually carried by veterans. Native Americans hold the United States
flag in an honored position despite the horrible treatment received from
this country. The flag has a dual meaning. First it is a way to remember
all of the ancestors that fought against this country. It is also the
symbol of the United States which Native Americans are now a part. The
flag here also reminds people of those people who have fought for this
country.
Following the veterans are other important guests of the Pow Wow
indlucing tribal chiefs, Princesses, elders, and Pow Wow organizers.
Next in line are the men dancers. The men are followed by the women
dancers. Once everyone is in the areana, the song ends and a song is
sung to honor the flag and the veterans. After a prayer, the dancing
resumes usually with a few Round Dances. After the Round Dances,
intertribal dancing songs are sung and everyone dances to the beat of
the drum.
The above text was originally developed by Karen Deleary and Mike
Dashner for the Ann Arbor Pow Wow at the University of Michigan.
©2001 PowWows.com
|
