General Powwow Rules
for First Timers
Charley's 16 Powwow Rules by Charles Phillip Whitedog
It should be noted that every POWWOW is different so the first rule is the most important.
The key is respect, and many "first timers" don't have access to
the life-long teachings that we take for granted.
1) Listen to the Master of Ceremonies.
2) Do not sit within the arena. The chairs inside the arena are
reserved for the dancers. Use the outside circle or bleachers if
provided. Safest thing to do is to bring your folding chairs with your names on them.
3) If you want to take pictures, check with the POWWOW host
first, then check with the person you are taking pictures of and
ASK THEIR PERMISSION. Under no circumstances may you
enter the arena to take photos. Put your camera down for all
memorial dances.
4) All tape recording must be done with the permission of the
Master of Ceremonies and the Lead (or Head) Singer of EACH
drum. When a new drum starts, do not enter the arena to get to
the other drum. Don't run. Miss the song and wait for the next one
to take your time getting to the drum. Nothing is more rude than
"Recorder-runners" ganging around a drum. Many Powwow
disallow this anyway (fine by me!).
5) If you are not wearing traditional Regalia, you may dance
only on social songs (like Two-Step, Blanket Dance, Honoring
Songs, Circle,etc..) Sometimes a blanket dance is held to gather
money. You may enter the circle to donate.
6) Only those with the permission of the Lead Singer may sit at
a drum.(And it's a good idea to know the songs because it's often a
habit to ask the "stranger" to lead one.)
7) Stand and men must remove their hat (unless traditional head
gear) during the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Invocation, Memorial,
Veterans Songs, and the Closing Song.
8) During the Gourd Dancing, only Gourd Dancers and Gourd
Dance Societies are to enter the Dance arena. Owning a gourd
rattle does not make one a Gourd Dancer. Check with the local
Societies.
9) Please do not permit your children to enter the dance circle
unless they are dancing.
10) Do not touch anyone's dance Regalia without their permission. These clothes are not "costumes" and yes we use
modern things like safetypins and such because we are a "living"
culture and our Regalia is subject to change. Leave your stereotypes
at home. (Yes there are some blond tribal enrolled Indians... no
ones fault that life goes on!)
11) If you are asked to dance by an elder, do so. It is rude and
disrespectful to say, "I don't know how." How can you learn if you
turn the elders down?
12) Most Powwows do not allow Alcoholic beverages, Gold Paint
cans, or drugs here. The Powwow is a time of joyful gathering and
celebration of life. Alcohol and drugs are destroying our way of life
and these "bad"spirits are not welcome.
13) It's funny how much trash we as people drop. Make an extra
effort to walk to the trash can. Respect Mother Earth.
14) Remember always: Native American Indian dances are more
than the word "dance" can describe. They are a ceremony and a
prayer which all life encompasses and produce many emotional
and spiritual reactions. Somedances are old, some are brand new...
the culture continues to live and evolve.
15) Urban Powwows are much more "tense" than Powwows on
the rez. As people are away from the comfort of culture, they tend
to take things more seriously. Abide by Indians wishes and
requests. We as Indian people believe differently. Some dance
around clock-wise, others counterclock-wise. If our host asks, we
sometimes voluntarily show our respectby temporarily changing
our way(s). Show your respect by doing the same.
16) Have fun. Buy something from the vendors. Donate if you
can. And most of all don't be so uptight , relax and have a good time. The whole
universe comes together on this day to celebrate. You are invited to
join in.
Please remember,
these are general rules when there is no
other ground work to proceed from.
Hope this helps.
~Charles
Phillip Whitedog
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