POW WOW ETIQUETTE

When at a Native Pow Wow, it helps to know what behavior is considered courteous and respectful. Naturally, customs and rules vary from tribe to tribe. Pow Wow etiquette means more than just “company manners.” A breach of etiquette at a Pow Wow will not only offend, it may also result in the offender being removed from the arena. The best way to bypass this is to know what behavior is appropriate.

These actions are a given: keep your children near you, speak softly, and refrain from negative thoughts and comments. These actions show respect for the Pow Wow as a religious and sacred ceremony. Following are more etiquette hints for non-Native newcomers and visitors.

• All Pow Wows are sacred places. The Dancing Circle is ceremoniously blessed before any festivities begin. It remains sacred ground until the Pow Wow is over.
• Alcohol, drugs, and firearms are strictly prohibited.
• Do not bring your pets to a Pow Wow.
• Dress and act respectfully. Maintain modesty in your attire. It is not appropriate to wear hot pants, “short-shorts,” extremely short skirts, halter tops, swimwear, or other offensive clothing. Profanity and excessive public displays of affection (“making out”) have no place at a Pow Wow.
• Seats near the Dancing Circle are reserved for drummers, singers, and dancers.
• Dancers wear regalia. (It is also sometimes called an outfit.) Referring to these beautifully handcrafted and ceremonially adorned items as ‘costumes’ shows disrespect. Often some of the articles comprising it are family heirlooms. Do not intentionally touch any part of it, especially the eagle feathers––they are sacred. If you see a lost eagle feather, do NOT pick it up! Notify the nearest Pow Wow staff member at once.
• The Pow Wow is a spectacle of color and movement, and you’ve brought your camera to capture the excitement.

Before you snap the shutter, remember:

• NEVER take photographs when the Master of Ceremonies has stated ‘no photos.’
• NEVER take photographs during prayers, veterans’ songs or flag songs.
• NEVER take photographs of dancers in regalia without first asking permission.
• NEVER assume that, because the dancer gave you permission to take a photograph, this also means you have permission to use it in a publication. You MUST have the expressed permission of the dancer you photograph to use his/her likeness in any publication. This is best accomplished with a model release signed by the dancer.
• It is courteous to offer to send the dancer a copy of the photograph.
• Listen and pay attention to the Master of Ceremonies. He will announce all the information you need to enjoy the Pow Wow and know what is happening.
• The Master of Ceremonies will also ask all attendees to stand during certain songs (honor, veteran, flag, prayer, memorial, grand entry, and any other song he designates). Please stand until the song is finished if you are at all able to do so. If you are wearing a hat or other head covering, you are expected to remove it.
• Though the excitement at a Pow Wow can reach fever pitch and the noise level can climb quite high, it is considered extremely impolite to use your finger to point. Many Native cultures consider the pointed finger to be a sign of rudeness. If you need to indicate a direction, nod your head and direct your gaze to the area where you want to focus attention.
• Most of all, enjoy yourself! Pow Wows are social events, a “family gathering” of sorts, a chance to learn about Native heritage, culture and traditions, and best of all, to make new friends.