Native American Pow Wow

Short History of the Native American Pow Wow

Description of Dances and Dance Regalia

Guidelines for Visitors to Southern Pow Wows

Assorted Vocabulary of
Pow Wow Dress and Ritual

Digital Bibliography of Web and Print Resources

When in Rome, you should do as the Romans do. When at a pow wow, you should do as they do. Practicing good etiquette for pow wows means more than knowing which fork to use at dinner because the consequences of a mistake can be much worse. A breach in etiquette is a sure way to offend someone, if not a way to be removed from the arena. The best way to avoid this is to know what is expected of you before you go. These rules are a guideline for most pow wows around the South, but as always, check the rules by asking people around you because there are some variances in customs from tribe to tribe.

Etiquette for Visitors and Newcomers

Bring your own seating when attending pow wows because public seating is the execption rather than the rule. Lawn chairs are the most common way of solving this.

Do not sit on the benches around the arena. The benches are reserved for the dancers only. You may set up your chairs directly behind the benches, and it is usually good courtesy to ask permission of the dancer whose bench you are sitting behind, as he/she might have family who are going to sit by him or her.

Ask permission before taking pictures. Many people are sensitive about pictures so it is always good to be on the safe side and ask.

Donate money to the Drum.

This is done during a blanket dance. A blanket will be laid on the ground and a song or songs will be sung. It is customary to place a dollar bill (or more if you wish) on the blanket and dance the rest of that song, regardless if you are dressed in regalia or not. If you don’t want to dance, you should ask a dancer to place the money on the drum for you. The drum has probably traveled a great distance to give you the beautiful song you hear and the dancers count on this to help pay their expenses.

Always stand during special songs. This includes Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Veteran Songs, Memorial Songs, Prayer Songs, or any other song that the M.C. designates. It is also customary to remove any hats that you have on for the duration of that song.

Always listen to the M.C. He will give all of the information you need, as well as etertain you and keep you posted on news. Any questions you may have can be answered by the M.C.

Remember you are a guest. Have fun, ask questions and meet people. Everyone there is welcome!