Share the joy of a powwow this summer

The Dakota nation fostered the first powwows back in the 1800s as a way of getting together and celebrating...

Summer is the best time in Indian country. The time that fell between the sundances in June and the autumn buffalo hunts was a time of easy living and visiting. There was no pressure to do much more than that.

In spite of the modern pressures of job, school and family, our people continue to follow the traditional lifestyle when they can.

During the summer months, people move from powwow to powwow. Every weekend another First Nation is hosting a powwow gathering, with people gathering to enjoy the dancing, drumming and camaraderie.

Powwows now come in two types. First we have the competitive powwow, where dancers and drummers compete for prize money. These are some of the largest powwows and attract some of the best dancers and drum groups.

The second kind is the traditional powwow, where there is no prize money, but people take part for the pure joy of the energy and spirit that comes with the singing and dancing.

When a First Nation hosts a powwow, it’s the complete opposite of a fair or outside gathering. First there is no admission; powwows are free. Second, some powwows still follow the old tradition of providing food to the visitors in the form of a bag of rations.

Powwows follow the First Nations tradition that visitors are provided with food and a place to camp. In fact, the first day of any powwow is called camping day. This is when the people arrive and set up camp; there is no established program until the following day.

Every powwow has a grand entry. This is when all the dancers and dignitaries gather and enter the powwow area. All participants are required to take part; some powwows record the dancers’ participation, and if they’re not present, they won’t be able to compete.

The grand entry is led by veterans carrying the flags and eagle staff. The eagle staff is the symbol of the authority of a First Nation or organization. They are not used lightly and are prepared in a sacred manner and treated as such.

The grand entry is an opportunity for the powwow organization to reach out to the community and involve outside agencies and governments. The local mayor, member of Parliament or the provincial legislature and so on will be asked to participate. Organizations such as the RCMP and local police force will also be asked to participate. This is a way of showing respect to leaders and the protectors.

The modern day powwow began in the United States and made its way north over the years. The Dakota nation fostered the first powwows back in the 1800s as a way of getting together and celebrating the culture.

In Canada, First Nations people were discouraged from practising our culture and religion and we were restricted from travelling because we needed a pass to leave the reserve. No Indian agent would issue a pass for something as frivolous as attending a powwow on a neighbouring reserve. In fact, it was in the Indian act that people who wanted to dress up in “traditional costume” and attend a local fair or some other event had to get permission from the Indian agent.

Gradually powwows began to take hold. There had always been community dances and celebrations. The Indian agents were directed to stop these whenever possible, but gradually they gave up to the inevitable will of the people.

Sundances, especially, were outlawed. My father told me stories of the RCMP coming to the sundance and pulling the lodge down, including the centre pole. Later, the Indian agent would take a holiday when the sundance was conducted so, if he was asked about it by a superior, he could say he knew nothing.

Today, things are much different and we are experiencing the revitalization of our culture. The powwow is a gathering of friends and families and an opportunity for the public to come visit. This is a year of reconciliation and one of the best ways to get to know us better is to come and attend a powwow.