It seems that every time I mention pow-wows or Native American music ect. I get 4-5 PM's asking about the dances, songs and such.
I am really happy that folks have that sort of interest, I am happy to share the little I know and welcome the inquiry's, however I found a website that has alot of info on it that I think might be a better resource for those seriously wanting to learn some about the Hey-Yahs and such...

http://www.powwows.com

there are some good articles about Pow-Wows, dancing and what it all means. On the left side of the websites home page, scroll down to "POW-WOW INFO" and select an article from below that heading.
Also there is a link to an on-line Native American music radio station that plays both northern and southern style music( Southern is the best of course, check out the Cedardale Singers, they're some buddies of mine from down home)

Hope any of ya'll interested enjoy!

Those costumes are beautiful.
I read the etiquette page over at that site, are non-natives welcome at these pow-wows to witness? That would be really cool, but I wouldn't want to offend anyone by turning a ceremony into a "spectator" event. Is it expected for non-natives to dress in native costume to attend a powwow
(or is that offensive)?

~Rob

Those costumes are beautiful.
I read the etiquette page over at that site, are non-natives welcome at these pow-wows to witness? That would be really cool, but I wouldn't want to offend anyone by turning a ceremony into a "spectator" event. Is it considered offensive to be a non-native and dress in native costume to attend a powwow?

~Rob
well, it would depend on the dance and such. Generally you need to be invited and introduced into the dance circle to participate. Dressing out would be part of that invitation. As far as attending just to watch, pow-wows are generaly open to all, including "spectators". Just be respectful of the folks dancing and the drum and no-one will object. It's things like a "tourist" walking out into the dance arena in the middle of a prayer song or talking too loudly during a honor dance, treating it like a show in Branson or something, that tend to offend people.But if you ask folks permission to take pictures or record the drum, generally its Ok. Its custom to give a small honorarium of a dollar or something to thank the drum if you record them or to thank the person whose picture you took.
The main thing is, if your not sure, ask the MC, or one of the older folks there and let them guide you. My folks apreciate it when someone cares enough to ask and do things right.

I've been to the Pow Wow in Grand Prarie, Texas a couple of times. It's very interesting and educational.

I was Head Gourd Dancer at that Pow-Wow in '97....

I was Head Gourd Dancer at that Pow-Wow in '97....

That's about when I was there one time. I'd like to go every year, but it seems like something comes up. Don't they have a rodeo there sometimes?

If its the Chisolm Trails Celebration/Quahna Parker Pow-Wow, then yep, rodeo, dance, its a big to-do..

What is your tribe? I lived for 5 years in the cherokee national capitol.

Great website Chrisreyn, thank you for posting it. :D

Absolutely Beautiful......


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b257/turnerfamily10/Other/ucla_009.jpg

If only I knew what her dance was about.




A few years back I went to the Battle of The Little Bighorn National Monument in Southern Montana. Late in the evening a local Native American sat down with me and explained all that had happened long ago in this place. There were no accusations and no blame, just a story that had been passed down from generation to generation. Truly something that I will remember the rest of my life.

Britt

:)