Have You Been To A Native North American Powwow?

[Sunrising]

If I had the opportunity to attend one of these special ceremonies I would attend.

To Native Americans a powwow is a time to gather and honor traditions.

All are welcomed and encouraged to attend powwows.

A. Yes I have been to a Powwow.

B. No I have not been to a Powwow.

C. If I had the opportunity to go to a Powwow I would attend.

D. Something else.

Updates

8 mo

POWWOWS.
An event that allows Indian Tribes, families, and individuals to come together for the purpose of feasting, hearing their language spoken, exchanging arts and crafts, singing, dancing, and upholding tribal customs.

Updates

8 mo

The term derives from the Algonquian Indian word "pau wau" which means "he dreams". The powwow originated among the tribes that inhabited the Great Plains from the southern praires of Canada to the lower plains of Texas.

[Lliam]

Many times. The tribe near me in northern California used to celebrate Indigenous People's Day with a 3 day celebration. Tribes from across the country, including Alaska and Hawaii, came to a large campground next to a river near me.
The public was invited.

That tradition began slowly in around 2000. Up until then, Native Americans kept a low profile and were still discriminated against after their nearly complete annihilation during the gold rush.
In a few years the celebrations grew and the Native Americans became highly honored.
I started going to the powwows in 2005, a couple years after I moved to this area.

The tribe was working on gaining federal recognition. I got involved and, after almost a year of petitioning, got the Unitarian Universalist church (not individual members but the church, itself) I was attending to officially endorse the petition for federal recognition. They held a special service one Sunday, invited the tribal chair, presented him with the signed petition, and donated money to the tribe.
Through my efforts, I got to know the tribal chair and some of the other members.

Early Saturday morning, on the Indigenous People's Day weekend, young men from our tribe would hike miles up the river to catch a salmon with a traditional spear, wrap in traditionally, and walk it back. Then they would hold a solemn ceremony to honor the salmon.

During the day, there would be stories, music, and dancing in traditional costumes.
Later in the afternoon, they would have a feast. Tribes from the northwest would also bring salmon so that everyone had plenty. There was lots of other good food, too.

One year, the tribal chair saw me standing in the food line and invited me to come indoors to sit with him and eat with the elders. He introduced me to the others as an elder. I felt highly honored.

On Sunday, the ceremonies would move to a large facility in town where the music, stories and dancing were broadcast live all day on our local radio and TV stations.

Over time, it became a major event with enthusiastic support from the community.

Unfortunately, it all ended in 2020 with the covid hysteria and mandates.

[Sunrising]

Thank you, I enjoyed reading your response to my question.

[KostasKouvalis]

The first one I attended in my town and I hated it and never went again. The main Indian kept bitching about Columbus and how the White man is putting them down. And the White Indian wanted to feel important didn't let me film and intially said no one can take pictures, but then changed his mind. It was a PUBLIC event on CITY property. I had every right to film.

The one in Alaska was the complete opposite. They didn't care and encouraged audience participation.

[Sunrising]

I did read that at certain times they didn't want photos taken.
They also say they welcome everyone, and encourage people to attend.

[KostasKouvalis]

I understand if it's on their reservation or even in a private venue. But the one I went to was on city property

[RandomGirl42]

Yes. It is just such a fascinating culture. There is a lot Abenaki heritage in our family tree. I guess back in the French-Indian war not all my ancestors were fighting. 🤣

[RandomGirl42]

Ty for the MHO 😊

[douride2]

Yes there are many around here. I have been to a few.

[OlderAndWiser]

No, but i once dated a woman who was part Iroquois.

[Dargil]

Many Black Americans have Native blood. Also Whites with farming back grounds.
Waylon sang in Tony Joe White's song...

When you live off the land, you ain't got time
to worry about another man's color

[Sunrising]

@Dargil I have relatives that farmed land in Canada, and like you say they were happy to find help from anyone with the land.

[Dargil]

And not hesitant to keep them warm, I'd guess.

[Dargil]

I have a few drops from a romance before the Trail of Tears. I have camped in the Cherokee East Band Res multiple times and been to several Powwows and the annual Cherokee Games. Yes, my cheekbones are higher that Elizabeth Warren's. And Yes, Custer what he deserved.

[Chazmatazz269]

Just one. It felt more like a marketplace than a rite or tradition. And a bunch of the “native American” merchandise was curiously made in China. So i never went back.

[Sunrising]

The China merchandise for the tourist market I presume.

[beefcakebradybatson]

No, but because my pal Jamie Logsdon and his three deceased brothers, one of whom who passed away three years ago today were/are part Cherokee, I was invited but politely declined to be a guest at a pow-wow to which the boys were invited.

[Sunrising]

Perhaps you might have been "Running Bear". Perhaps you can find a Buxom White Dove?
Song by Johnny Preston 1960.

[Sunrising]

Out of interest the Sunrising name, is also a Sioux name, except in their language it's pronounced Wehinahpay.

[beefcakebradybatson]

I was seven when "Running Bear" hit, but are there actually buxom First Nations birds?

[Sunrising]

That's homework for you.

[Staximus]

I've always wanted to go to one but figured I would not be welcome as a white man.

[Sunrising]

I was mistaken in that belief too.
They will welcome us to their ceremonies and events.

[DrPepper12]

Shineacock reservation Eastern long island. Truly an experience!!

[Anonymous]

No because I have no respect for Native American culture. I can appreciate individuals from any race, but I have found the more I learn about non-European cultures the less I like.

[queenofcardio]

I'm interested in going

[Xawyx-2]

No, but I'd really like to see it.

[WonderingManII]

B. No I have not been to a Powwow.

[beefcakebradybatson]

I am sometimes called "Little Bear" (at six-three,260 pounds-plus, my bestie Jamie is called "Big Bear), so perhaps I should go. Also, I have Status Indian cousins, some of whom were next-door neighbours as children.

[WonderingManII]

@beefcakebradybatson yeeeah.

[XXblack88]

No I have not

[Sunrising]

Perhaps you might like to go to see a Sun Dance, or go to a Potlatch ceremony, a traditional feast, or a Green Corn Festival expressing gratitude to their gods, or Snow Snake Games a winter game where villages compete against each other. Other ceremonies are tied to the seasons, such as those that give thanks for the completion of preparations for winter, or Christmas and Winter Solstice celebrations, where they honor departed love ones with a "spirit plate" and a feast before their own meal.

[XXblack88]

maybe hmm 🤔