Originally, the Pow Wow was a spring event. It was a time to celebrate with singing and dancing. But the Pow Wow also had religious significance. It was a great opportunity to hold a naming. Today, a naming is held in a private gathering where only family members are present.
Some Native tribes also used the Pow Wow to offer a prayer to the Great Spirit or Grandfather. The term “pow wow” has been traced back to the Algonquin language.
The Pow Wow is still very much alive in Native Culture. Pow Wows are held in different locations throughout Canada in the peak season, which is from June to September. Families travel the “pow wow” circuit. They camp and enjoy traditional food, customs and culture. These days, singing and dancing are competitive activities. This is a recent change.
The Circle is an important symbol to Native Peoples and is used extensively at Pow Wows. The dancers are in the center with the drums and audience surrounding them. The concessions encircle the gathering. The Pow Wow is believed to bring a circle of people closer to their family and friends while it gives the comfort and vitality of their culture.
The Grand Entry opens each Pow Wow. A parade of dancers carries the Eagle Staff into the circle. The Canadian and American flags follow this as well as tribal flags. Next come tribal pageant title holders followed by invited dignitaries. Then come the men. Traditional dancers lead and are followed in succession by grass dancers, fancy shawl dancers and jingle dress dancers. Junior boys and girls follow using the same order. Last come the smallest boys and girls. The dancers then begin to perform sunwise or clockwise around the circle. Their clothing and steps let the audience and other participants know who they are and what they can do.
After the Grand Entry, there is a flag song and an invocation that blesses the gathering. The Eagle Staff, which is positioned above the Canadian Flag to signify the First Nations is then tied to a pole in the center of the circle. Now, it is time for the dance to begin.
It is an honor to be asked to carry the Eagle Staff
Songs are created and sung for grand entries, dance categories and the honoring ceremonies. New songs have replaced many traditional ones. Some song groups sing their own songs. Others borrow songs as well as singing their own. These songs are recorded and learned by all dancers and singers. Singers are not judged on their voices. Some parts are sung falsetto. The voice then gains energy and rhythm as it descends.
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