Powwow Etiquette
Please respect our traditions and cultures by following these rules:
- Given the effect of addiction on the Native community, never come to a powwow
intoxicated and do not bring alcohol or drugs.
- Do bring lawn chairs because public seating may be limited. Some spots are
reserved for elders or dancers, especially in the shaded seating areas.
- Listen to the emcee - he will give all of the information you need to enjoy
the powwow.
- Always stand during special songs. This includes grand entry, flag songs,
veteran songs, healing songs, and any other song that the emcee designates. It
is also customary for men to to remove their hats.
- Refrain from taking pictures or video during special songs or other occasions
when asked by the emcee. These are sacred moments that are not meant to be recorded
in this way.
- Do not record songs without the permission of the head singer of a drum.
- Even if you are not in regalia, you may be invited to dance in social songs.
If an elder asks you to dance, please do so. It is considered rude to refuse
an elder, and NO ONE will ridicule you when you dance!
- Respect the head dancers -- don't begin dancing until they do.
- If an eagle feather is dropped, inform the arena director or other powwow
official; do not pick it up. A ceremony will be performed, and an elder or veteran
will pick up the feather.
- Donate money to the drums during the blanket dance if you can and join in
on the dance. While the committee provides a modest honorarium for invited drums,
travel expenses are high, and other drums come on their own to play for us. Any
gift given to a drum is given to the head singer, who will then distribute it
to the rest of the drum as he sees fit.
- Feel free to talk to the dancers outside the arena. They can answer questions
about their regalia, culture, and customs. But remember that Native Americans
come in all sizes, shapes, and colors from blond to brown to black, and be sensitive
when asking questions.
- Look, learn, listen, and most of all, HAVE FUN! It’s a day to celebrate!
Regalia
The traditional outfits that are worn at powwow are not called costumes, but
rather regalia, because the term "costume" implies a falseness or sense
of role playing and not being real. The traditions of powwow are real, have purpose,
and are an integral part of our day-to-day life. Some regalia reflect personal
aspects of the dancer's path and or heritage. Many are embellished with symbols
and things from various animals that are meaningful to that person or the community
they represent.
Please request permission before taking pictures of individual dancers in
regalia. Many people are sensitive about being photographed, so it is always
best to ask first.
Giveaway
Powwows often include a giveaway to honor the elders, dancers, singers, volunteers,
and other contributors. The Lake Geneva Powwow Committee holds a giveaway to
thank everyone who participates in the success of the powwow, including attendees.
As people are called to choose a gift, they shake hands with the committee members
and then join the "receiving line"
so that in the end, everyone has greeted everyone!
Feast
The Lake Geneva Powwow Committee also hosts a feast for as many people as
possible. People are called to the table in the following order: elders, drums,
dancers, vendors, arena staff, and attendees. Please make sure all elders have
been served before filling your plate, and do not take seconds until everyone
has been served once. You can even help by carrying food to those who have trouble
getting around.
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Learn More
Etiquette
Powwow Staff
The Arena
The Four Circles
The Spirit Fire
The Songs
Men's Dances
Women's Dances
Social Dances
Powwow Calendar
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