Date: Tue, Sep. 19, 2000 at 10:30am
Source: John Wigle, Tuscarora Nation of Indians
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This is designed to be helpful for beginners who want to want to show proper respect while attending a American Indian powwow or gathering. These tips are meant to be general and not gospel. Each American Indian community has their own customs and traditions, and there are over 500 American Indian Communities alone in the United States, and more in Canada. These rules will help you get a start, and as you attend the powwow, listen to the emcee for etiquette tips, and lastly always ask someone if you have a question.
Regalia - Please do not call the dancers outfits "costumes". They are not pretending to be Indian or dressing up like Indians. They are Indian. Regalia is often used to describe dancers outfits, but commonly among our own community we call them, dresses, outfits or by the names of the parts such as yokes, breech cloth, side tabs, roach, etc.
The Arena - means the area or circle where the dancing takes place. The arena is usually roped or sectioned off in some fashion with an opening for the dancers and participants to enter the arena. The arena is off limits to the public and spectators. You should not enter the arena unless invited by the emcee or a dancer. The emcee or a dancer may invite spectators into the arena on a "round dance", "rabbit dance", and other social dances. Please be courteous and accept the invitation, the dance steps are easy to pick up, and you will be sure to have a great time and make a few friends. Also the first row of chairs or benches around the arena are generally left vacant out of respect for the dancers and their families. Without them, there would not be a powwow. So please do not sit in the front row.
Veterans - If you currently serving, or have ever served in the military. Then you are a "veteran". If you served in armed conflict (WWI, WWI, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm, etc) then you are considered a "combat veteran". Veterans with many years of experience in the American Indian culture who are recognized by their community as recognized cultural authorities called a "qualified veteran". After the flag song, usually a veterans dance is given. When prompted by the emcee any veteran will be allowed to enter into the arena to dance. It does not matter if they are in street clothes or regalia, or whether they are American Indian or not. Veterans have a special level of respect in American Indian communities, and it does not matter if they are from an American Indian community or not, they are to be respected.
Photography, video taping and recording - As most anything in life, there is a time when it is appropriate and there is a time when it is not. If you ever have a question about recording, be sure to ask a dancer or the staff. Recording of dancing in the arena is generally allowed except during the flag song, veterans' songs or victory songs, and at other special honoring or ceremonial songs. The emcee will announce when recording is not allowed. If you wish to record outside the arena, like taking a picture of a dancer, you must ask for their permission. If you record during events the emcee announces no recording or take someone's picture outside the arena without permission, you could find yourself ejected from the powwow and with your film or tape confiscated.
Drums - do not approach too close to the powwow drums. Show great respect. The drums are like the heartbeat of the Earth. Without the drums our dancers could not dance. If you wish to approach a drum ask the lead singer for permission. If you are not sure who the lead singer is, ask. People are often curious about drums and wish to see how they are made. Do not make the mistake of giving yourself permission to take a tour. Ask. Some drums are willing to talk with you and answer your questions, and you may even get the chance to touch it.
Eagle Feathers - DO NOT TOUCH FEATHERS. Eagle feathers are very sacred items. Male dancers will sometimes remove their feather bustles and place them on tripods or strap them to a tent pole. Some have Eagle Feathers and others may have hawk or other feathers. Either way, do not touch a feather bustle or other item that you think has an Eagle Feathers on it. Do not pick up Eagle Feathers either. Only qualified veterans may retrieve an Eagle Feather that has fallen to the ground. If you see a feather on the ground and you are not sure if it is an Eagle Feather or not, do not touch it, stand next to it to protect it, and have someone tell a dancer or the staff. Eagle Feathers are so sacred it is only legal for American Indians to own or posses Eagle Feathers and Eagle parts, so do not pickup Eagle Feathers. For more information on the Bald Eagle Protection Act, see the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site at http://toltecs.lab.r1.fws.gov/lab/cargo/ep.htm
When to Stand - Like most things in life, there are times to stand and show respect. If you are physical able to you should stand, if you cannot due to age, injury or illness you are excused from standing. The times you should stand are:
The emcee will usually prompt the audience when to stand and when they may be seated. There are a few other times when standing was required, but the practice has fallen by the way side. The older and more traditional people still do to this day. Standing during "medicine dances", which are the jingle and grass dances, shows a great deal of respect and will be immediately appreciated and recognized by elders and traditional people. Also the practice of standing during a women's traditional dance is another sign of respect that has fallen by the wayside.
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