Pow Wow – a gathering for all
By William Sampson
A Pow Wow is a social gathering for not just Native Americans but all people.
There are two different types of Pow Wows: the Contest Pow Wow, and the Traditional Pow Wow. The Traditional Pow Wows have been part of the Native American culture from the beginning of time.
Over the years, Contest Pow Wows have evolved to showcase Native dancers. These dancers demonstrate their skills and compete for prize money. The prize money is to help the family with traveling expenses and the work involved in preparing for a Pow Wow.
One example of a Traditional Pow Wow is one that is hosted by the Menominee Nation in Wisconsin. The Sturgeon Feast Pow Wow takes place every April. The Menominee give thanks to what nature has provided and honor the Sturgeon which is sacred to the Menominee People. The Menominee consider the sturgeon ancient relatives.
During a Pow Wow there are many dance categories. Categories include women’s fancy shawl, tiny tots, jingle dress, men’s traditional, men’s fancy dance, and more. Dancing is a way of healing. Many Native people believe singing and dancing connect our hearts to the beat of the drum. The beat of the drum represents Mother Earth’s heartbeat. Also it is believed that movement in the circles reinforces the cycles of life and many other concepts that center around a holistic approach to thinking.
Native Americans wear their traditional clothing and usually make their own regalia that represents their family clan or their Nation’s identity. An important part of some dancers’ regalia is the Eagle Feather. Only Native Americans are allowed to carry eagle feathers. Eagles are sacred and are believed to carry prayers to the creator. The Eagle feathers on traditional clothing are very special and are well cared for.
An eagle feather is more than a feather; it’s almost as if it were alive, which is why they’re always handled with great care. At Pow Wows, if a feather falls, it is not to be picked up. All dancing is stopped, and a Veteran or respected elder in the community will be called to properly handle the feather. Usually a Native American Veteran will take part in important actions that are necessary when handling a feather that has fallen.
At Pow Wows there are different types of bead work and crafts that are sold. These crafts have been handmade and take great skill. Attendees can also find traditional foods at Pow Wows, one being wild rice.
Pow Wows are gatherings that unite people and showcase the beautiful culture and traditions of Native Americans.
Hellen Awonohopay, a Menominee elder, wearing applique cloth dress traditional Menominee regalia. 
Mary Denny leads the Swan Dance which is performed by the ladies. 
The late Dave Notinokey singing on the Smokey Town Drum. Everything has a meaning and the diamonds on the drum represent the first Smokey Town Singers. 
Smokey Town Singers from Zoar, WI 
Chief Awonohopay – Traditional Elder of the Menominee people. 
The Menominee tribe’s end of the year head start pow wow.
Thank you for writing this informative story! I didn’t know much about the symbolism in Pow Wows, and learned a lot.
I am bookmarking your online newspaper and am very interested in Native American news. Keep up the good writing!
Carole
I found this article interesting and also meaningful. The great need to respect and care for Mother Earth is something I’m feeling much more personally now, since our shared global experience with COVID-19. We are reminded every day how connected we all are to Earth and to our communities. While we’ve been forced to stop for awhile, I’ve been fortunate to have the time to contemplate and also to learn new things. One small example is that I’m able to stop what I’m doing and read articles like this. I especially appreciated learning about the eagle feather and how such sacred objects are handled….another way of respecting nature and its power. Thank you. Robin from Cambridge, MA