But, like any culture, when it comes to celebrations, events, and rituals, there are a few things to keep in mind to be a respectful visitor. Though some pow wows are privately held for a specific Indigenous community, many openly welcome the public. And passing down knowledge from elders is key to continuing the next generation across tribes. You can learn so much at a Native American pow wow, whether seeing stories told through movement, learning new footwork, watching the best-of-the-best dancers at competitions, eating traditional Navajo mutton stew, or donning a new squash blossom necklace.
I also developed a near-constant appetite for Indian tacos. The drum circle starts to sing, and the pow wow begins.Īs a child who grew up jingle-dancing, lifting my feathers up to the drum circle beats, I developed an understanding of indigeneity at my community’s pow wows. “It’s time to get ready for Grand Entry,” says the MC, the Master of Ceremony. A man walks inside an arena and taps a microphone, hushing everyone. Elders look over tables streamed with turquoise, pottery, and beadwork. A jingle dancer walks by, bells proudly ringing with each step.
Crowds get their hands sticky with honey frybread.
