Attending a Pow Wow offers a unique glimpse into Indigenous culture, filled with vibrant dances, music, and ​meaningful traditions. To enhance your experience, it's important to understand some key aspects of Pow Wows, ​including the roles of key figures, the significance of the drum, the protocols to follow, and the different types of ​songs and dances you'll encounter. Whether it's learning about the Master of Ceremonies, the sacredness of the ​drum, or the proper etiquette for seating and photography, being informed will help you fully appreciate the rich ​cultural heritage celebrated at these gatherings. This guide will introduce you to essential Pow Wow terms and ​etiquette, ensuring a respectful and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What is a Pow Wow?

A Pow Wow is a vibrant Indigenous gathering centered around dance, music, and family celebration. ​Traditionally, it serves as an event where one Indigenous nation welcomes and honors others. Pow ​Wows typically span a weekend, and attendees often travel long distances to participate. While the ​main Pow Wow season occurs in the summer, the revival of these gatherings now allows for year-round ​events across North America. Everyone, including non-Indigenous people, is encouraged to attend, as ​Pow Wows offer a unique and enriching cultural experience.

There are various types of Pow Wows, with traditional and competition Pow Wows being the most ​common. In traditional Pow Wows, participants in dance or singing are given day money. Although there ​is an element of competition, it is informal, and the events also include ceremonies such as honouring's, ​giveaways, "first" dances, and adoptions. In contrast, competition Pow Wows feature substantial prize ​money for dancers, based on the host tribe or nation's resources. While everyone is welcome to dance ​and compete, only the top performers receive prize money. Drum groups also vie for monetary prizes in ​these competitions.

Pow Wow Etiquette

Seating: Benches and chairs with blankets are reserved for dancers in regalia. These blankets mark the ​dancers' spots. Please avoid sitting on someone's blanket unless invited. If you're not dancing, you may ​bring your own chairs or sit on unmarked benches.

Follow the Master of Ceremonies: Listen to the Master of Ceremonies (MC). He will announce who ​should dance, the dance style, and the appropriate times to dance.

Be Considerate: Be mindful of those seated or standing behind you, ensuring they can see the ​performances. Make space for everyone to enjoy the event.

Respect Flag and Honour Songs: During the Flag Song and Honour Songs, please stand and remove ​your hat to show respect for the flags and those being honored.

Dance Arena: The dance arena is for participants only. It has been blessed and should be treated as ​sacred.

Photography: Photographs should only be taken with the individual's permission. Group photos can be ​taken without specific consent, but always be courteous. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Terms Used at the Pow Wow

Announcer, Master of Ceremonies: Every Pow Wow has an announcer or Master of Ceremonies (MC). ​They keep the event flowing, announce the events, explain the exhibition and competition dances, tell ​jokes, and more.

Arena Director(s): These are usually honored dancers who manage the drum order, dance contests, and ​help coordinate the contest events.

The Drum: To Indigenous people, the drum is sacred and deeply connected to traditional life. Made by ​stretching hides over a round frame and lacing them with rawhide, the drum sets the rhythm and tempo ​for dances. Singers follow strict protocols at the drum, which is highly respected by all Nations and ​essential at any Pow Wow. It's believed a woman brought the drum to Indigenous people, infusing it with ​a woman's spirit, and helping to reconnect the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a person.

Indigenous Flag: A spiritual staff covered in fur and adorned with eagle feathers, representing an ​Indigenous Nation or tribe, carried by an elder during opening ceremonies.

Flag Song: Many Indigenous groups have created flag songs to honor military veterans, similar to a ​national anthem. During these songs, everyone stands, but no dancing occurs. Women with veteran ​family members may traditionally dance in peace during this song.

Grand Entry: The Pow Wow starts with the Grand Entry, where spectators stand as flags and eagle ​staffs are brought in. The procession features the chief, dignitaries, veterans, and elected royalty. ​Dancers, led by elders, enter in order: men’s traditional, grass, and fancy dancers, followed by women’s ​traditional, jingle dress, and fancy shawl dancers. Teenagers and children follow, all announced by the ​MC. The arena fills with dancers in regalia, ending with prayer and honoring songs for veterans.

Honour Song: Honour songs are special songs sung to honor specific individuals. It is customary to ​stand in silence to show respect when an honor song is sung. These songs are always announced ​before they begin at Pow Wows.

Intertribal: These dances invite everyone to join in, regardless of age or gender. The announcer usually ​says, "Everyone dance, all you dancers get out there!"

Round Dance: This social dance involves dancers moving in circular rows around the drum, side-​stepping in time with the rhythm. The faster-moving line is closest to the drum, while the slower line is ​farther out. The entire group moves together, synchronized with the drum’s beat.

This is a Drug & Alcohol-Free Event

The Niagara Regional Native Centre's 10th Annual Nurturing Our Roots Traditional Pow Wow is a family-​oriented gathering. Our goal is to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees, free from ​drugs, alcohol, harassment, abuse, and any form of discrimination. All drugs and alcohol are strictly ​prohibited. Your cooperation ensures that everyone can enjoy the event in a respectful and secure ​atmosphere.

Please note that media representatives will be present during this event, and photos or videos may be ​taken. By attending, you consent to the possibility of appearing in event-related media coverage. If you ​prefer not to be photographed, please inform the event organizers upon arrival. Thank you for your ​understanding. The Niagara Regional Native Centre and the Meridian Centre will not be held responsible ​for any accidents or injuries sustained while on the premises or while participating in the Powwow that ​may occur through negligence by the individual, spectators, friends or relatives.