THE MEANING OF A NATIVE POW WOW

progresses. They spin about to the beat of the drum. Footwork is the focus of the women’s dance. They wear beautiful, knee-length, cotton dresses with matching leggings and beaded moccasins.

Though the jingle dance originated in Minnesota, it is often performed at Canadian Pow Wows. These dresses are covered with hundreds of jingles or metal cones. Special types of song and dance are performed when the jingle dresses are worn.

Intertribal dances are a very interesting facet of the Pow Wow. No regalia is necessary and even tourists are invited to participate. This dance is not performed with any particular steps. The point of the dance is for everyone to join in.

A dropped eagle feather brings a Pow Wow to a complete standstill. Since the eagle feather is sacred, if one falls to the ground, its power must be restored. The audience is asked to stand with uncovered head and no photos are allowed. Four traditional, veteran dancers dance around the fallen feather from four directions. They usually attack four times to retrieve it. Though different tribes perform this sacred ceremony in various ways, four is the sacred number for all tribes.

Honor songs are sung to honor a person. This may be a deceased relative or returning son but they can, and are, sung for all occasions. Some honor songs are passed down and some are generic.

The Native people honor their veterans. Veterans are flag-bearers and are the ones who retrieve dropped eagle feathers. This respect for veterans has been a part of Native culture from long ago times when the village depended on its warriors to protect its welfare. A man’s goal in life was to become a great warrior. The veterans were always honored because of their willingness to lay down their lives so their people could continue to live. Today, Native veterans are given the same respect as they were hundreds of years ago. Bravery is honored as one of the four virtues: fortitude, bravery, wisdom and generosity.

The tradition of the Pow Wow is as big a part of Native culture today as it was hundreds of years ago. It is a time of gathering together and drawing close to family and friends. It is a time to renew old friendships and cultivate new ones. It is also a time to celebrate new birth.

Challis Beetso Champion Teen Girl's Jingle Dance (US)

Unfortunately, my photos of the

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic