Powwow Etiquette

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              1. Be on time. The Committee is doing everything possible to ensure that activities begin and run smoothly.
               Please cooperate in this regard.

               2. Appropriate dress and behavior are required in the Arena. Anyone unwilling to abide by this rule will be
               asked to leave by the Arena Director.(If you are going to dance, try to wear dance clothes.)

               3. Arena benches are reserved for dancers in dance clothes. Dancers wishing to reserve a space on the
               bench should place a blanket in that space before the dance begins. Please do not sit on someone else's
               blanket unless invited. Uncovered benches are considered unreserved.

               4. Listen to the Master of Ceremonies. He will announce who is to dance,and when.

               5. Respect the position of the Head Man and Head Woman Dancers. Their role entitles them to start each
               song or set of songs. Please wait until they have started to dance before you join in.

               6. Dance as long and as hard as you can. When not dancing, be quiet and respect the Arena.

               7. Be aware that someone standing behind you may not be able to see over you. Make room, step aside,
               sit, or kneel if someone is behind you.

               8. Show respect to the flag and honor songs by standing during"Special" songs, stand in place until the
               sponsors of the song have danced a complete circle and have come around you, then join in. If you are not
               dancing, continue to stand quietly until the song is completed.

               9. While dancing at any powwow, honor the protocol of the sponsoring group.

               10. Some songs require that you dance only if you are familiar with the routine or are eligible to participate.
               Trot dances, snake, buffalo, etc. require particular steps or routines. If you are not familiar with these
               dances, observe and learn. Watch the Head Dancers to learn the procedures. Only Veterans are permitted
               to dance some Veteran's songs; listen to the MC for instructions.

               11. The Flag Song, or Indian National Anthem, is sung when the American Flag is raised or lowered.
               Please stand and remove hats during the singing of this song. It is not a song for dancing.

               12. Powwows are non-profit. It depends upon donations, raffles, blanket dances, etc. for support.
               Donations are encouraged as a way to honor someone. Any participant can drop money onto the blanket
               to aid in the powwow expenses. Support the Committee and buy raffle tickets.

               13. Certain items of religious significance should be worn only by those qualified to do so. Respect the
               traditions.

               14. Giveaways, attributes of Indian generosity, are held at many dances. They are acknowledgments of
               appreciation to recipients for honor given. When receiving a gift, the recipient thanks everyone involved in
               the giving.

               NOTE: All specials and giveaways must be coordinated with the Master of Ceremonies. During the
               Saturday night dance, only the specials of the Principals should be scheduled.

               If you wish to ask for a song from the drum in honor of someone, they will be glad to announce the song
               with the understanding that it will be danced by all who wish in a general powwow manner, rather than as a
               "walking"special. Please remember that is traditional to make a monetary contribution to the Drum for this
               request--clear this through the MC. They will try to maintainthe dancing for ALL participants as much as
               possible.

               15. The Drums will be closed unless permission to be seated is given by the Head singer. Any drums
               present are invited to set-up and sing. Please chec kwith the Arena director first.

               16. If at any time you are uncertain of procedure, etc., please check with the MC, Arena Director, or Head
               Singer. They will be glad to help you with your questions.

               17. Take a chair. Most Pow Wows are in open fields and will not have seating for the public or enough
               seating for everyone. Also remember that the benches in the arena are for dancers only.

               18. No Alcohol or drugs are allowed at Pow Wows.

               19. If taking pictures, asked the dancer first. Remember common courtesy and ask permission. Group
               photographs are usually alright to take, but you might want to ask the committee first.

               Remember that in each area you travel to and visit, things can and will be slightly different than your area.
               Different groups and have different customs and methods of doing things. Different is not wrong, just
               different. Be respectful of the uniqueness of each area.