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| Miss Indian World 2015 |
THE
LITTLE SHELL POWWOW CELEBRATION IN NEW TOWN, NORTH DAKOTA
August 7-9, 2015
Pow Wows are the Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting,
renewing old friendships, and making new ones. This is a time method to
renew ones Indian culture and preserve the rich heritage of American Indian tribes.
There are several different stories of how the
powwow was started. Some believe that the War dance Societies of the Ponca and
other Southern Plains Tribes were the origin of the powwow. Another belief is
that when the Native American Tribes were forced onto reservations the government also forced them to have dances
for the public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the
town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.
JR and I have experienced several Indian powwows
through the years in our travels. Powwow drummers and singers are very
important figures in the Native American Cultutre. Without them there would be no dancing. The songs are of
many varieties, from religious to war to social.
As 70 various tribes gathered together here for the
Little Shell Powwow Celebration in New Town, North Dakato we settled into the 4
Bears Park to enjoy the event held over 3 days.
We watched tribes share their
songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With
these changes came the use of “vocables” to replace the words of the old
songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in “vocables” with no words.
Dances have always been a very important part of
the life of the American Indian. Most dances seen at powwows today are social and/or
competition dances which might have had different meanings in earlier days.
Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance
has not. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today
evolve over time, it is not a stagnant culture, but a vibrant and changing way
of life.
The powwow begins with the Grand Entry. This is the
entry of all the dance participants and competitors entering the arena. During
the Grand Entry, everyone is asked to stand as the flags are brought into the
arena. The flags carried generally include the U.S. Flag, Tribal Flags, the POW
Flag, and Eagle Staffs of various Native Nations present. These are usually
carried by veterans. Native Americans hold the
United States Flag in an honored position despite the horrible treatment
received from this country. The flag has a dual meaning. First it is a way to
remember all of the ancestors that fought against this country. It is also the
symbol of the United States which Native Americans are now a part. The flag
here also reminds people of those people who have fought for this country.
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| Buffalo headdress rarely seen at a powwow |
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| Grand Entry Circle Ceremony Opens a Powwow |
Following the veterans are other important guests
of the powwow including Tribal Chiefs, Princesses, Elders, and powwow
organizers. Next in line are the men dancers. The men are followed by the women
dancers. Once everyone is in the arena, the song ends and a song is sung to honor
the flags and the veterans. After a prayer, the dancing resumes, usually with a
few round dances. After the round dances, intertribal dancing songs are sung
and everyone dances to the beat of the drum when their age group category is
called to come forth into the arena for dance competition.
Teens and tiny tots dance as well.
Usually the last day in the closing ceremony dance competition
winners are announced to receive their cash prizes and gifts.
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| Porcupine head dress dancer |
Seeing all the beautiful ornate regalia of beadwork,
buffalo bone chest plates, head pieces, war bonnets, bustle feathers is
spectacular. There is no charge to attend a powwow so check out online where
one is in your region. It will help you gain a better understanding of Native
American culture and traditions. Attending a powwow should be on everyones’
bucket list.
