The Pow-Wow Newbies Page

Introduction:

If you have lived in or close to the State of Oklahoma, you more than likely have seen pictures, travel brochures, commercials, or possibly even an actual Native American dressed in full dance regalia at some point in time. One of the biggest tourist attractions for the state of Oklahoma are various Native American tribes with their proud heritage and culture that have existed in this region for hundreds of years pre-Columbus. There is no shortage of websites out there that chronicle the origins of the indigenous peoples of this land nor is there a shortage of theories as to where and how the Pow-Wow began. The scope of this website is not to debate the origins of the Pow-Wow, but to focus more on what the modern version of a Pow-Wow is and what it means to the thousands of Native Americans that participate almost every weekend throughout the State of Oklahoma and abroad. Please check out the sections listed below to learn more about the different aspects of a Pow-Wow as well as all the different "Dance Categories" and "Pow-Wow Etiquette" so you will know what to expect when you visit a Pow-Wow in Oklahoma.

The Hollywood Stereotype:

You would be surprised to learn just how many people throughout the United States including the State of Oklahoma still think that Native Americans live in Tipi's and ride around on horseback with spears and arrows blazing. The Hollywood perception of Native Americans hasn't been kind to us, but decades later, they are slowly changing their mindset about Native Americans. Natives today only wear their regalia on the weekends when it's time to forget about the hustle and bustle of a hectic work week and reunite with friends and family from various tribes throughout the United States and Canada at the current week's popular Pow-Wow destination. If you have never been to a Pow-Wow in your life, I would encourage you to make plans to attend one at your earliest convenience. You won't be disappointed, and will probably walk away with a very different perception of who Native Americans are and what we do at all these Pow-Wow's you hear about. Please don't be intimidated to attend a Pow-Wow anywhere in the State of Oklahoma. These events are very spectator friendly and the Pow-Wow committee will always welcome a large attendance as it only helps to benefit everyone involved.

What is a Pow-Wow?:

The modern Pow-Wow in general is a very simple concept. It is a gathering of Native and Non-native people who wish to celebrate life through song and dance. As you travel throughout Oklahoma, the United States, and Canada, the format of a Pow-Wow will differ as each tribe injects its own identity to their event which really makes every Pow-Wow unique. Culture, heritage, friendship, and dance competition is what shapes a Pow-Wow from the smaller Southern family Pow-Wow's in Oklahoma to the largest Pow-Wow's on earth such as the "Gathering of Nations" to the West and "Schemitzun" to the East.

A Pow-Wow is a time for friends and family to come together and reminisce about the past and plan for the future. New relationships will prosper and turn into lifelong acquaintances. Many people will meet their life-partners at a Pow-Wow thus making that particular Pow-Wow a very special one indeed. A Pow-Wow is where elders will teach children about respect for the old ways and those dancing children will put a smile on the face of those elders who can no longer dance. A Pow-Wow is where you will hear the most beautiful songs on earth and you can't help but tap your foot or hands to the beat. When my non-native friends ask me to describe to them what that strange music is blaring out of my speakers, I simply tell them: "That's America's first Rock & Roll". A Pow-Wow is where friends will dance together socially during intertribals and competitively during contest time, congratulating each other when they are victorious. A Pow-Wow is where you will be able to eat some of the local or regional foods prepared by the skilled hands that have learned those recipes from grandparents past. A Pow-Wow is a time to get serious when it comes to our prayers, flag songs, flags, elders, noble veterans, eagle feathers, and specials. It is also a time to laugh and have fun as the Master of Ceremonies recounts humorous stories and jokes at the appropriate times. A Pow-Wow is about goodwill towards your friends from different tribes and not about tearing them down with jealousy. There are many other things that make a Pow-Wow special and unique, but you and your family should really experience such things firsthand so that you will have your own personal memories of what a Pow-Wow truly is.

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