The Purpose of a Powwow
The powwow is the Indian way of expressing visual Indianness, at first appearing to be entertainment or theatrics. However, observers will soon notice the organization, flow, pattern, respect, and graceful cooperation of participants of all ages moving together inside and outside the dance arena.
The main purpose of the powwow is to renew friendships and to make new ones. A powwow brings together not only dancers but singers at the drum, a cadre of traders and vendors selling artwork and crafts, and extended family members who enjoy the reunion of family and friends of many generations in a peaceful way.
 THE DRUM… Host Southern Drum: Shawn Foye, Head Singer (Comanche)
More than just an instrument, “the drum” also refers to the head singer and the group of singers sitting at the drum who set the flow and pace of the dances from grand entry to closing song.
Often an “open drum” whereas anyone qualified can sit in, a drum can also be “closed” and only those invited may join. The head singer protects the drum, chooses songs, and allows others to sit in. He knows appropriate songs for special dances, prayers and anthems.
Any person who sits at the drum must feel humility in his heart that he is no better than any other singer.
 THE DANCE ARENA… Arena Director: John Dreher (Crow)
Observers may stand, sit on lawn chairs, or sit on bleachers if provided, but should never sit on the circle of benches or boards closest to the dance area that are reserved for the dancers.
Before any activities have started, the dance area has been consecrated for the duration of the powwow for only organized activities, never a play area for children or animals to run.
The arena director sees that all dancers are comfortable, that they and the drum have safe water to drink and that special needs inside the dance area are fulfilled. He protects the dance arena from intrusion by unauthorized persons or animals.
 MASTER OF CEREMONIES... Dale Besse
The master of ceremonies maintains the sanctity of the arena with the director during the powwow. He calls out special dances, makes announcements, introduces dignitaries, and keeps the observers informed as to what the dancers are doing and what is appropriate protocol for observers.
He is the friendly voice that is heard on the loud speaker when the drum is quiet.
 HEAD DANCERS… Head Man Dancer: Sonny Starr and his sister Head Woman Dancer: Josee Starr (Arikara/Omaha/Ottawa)
The Head Dancers are chosen for their knowledge of various dances and the songs that accompany them. Some new to powwow dancing might not recognize the singers’ song or remember the appropriate dance for a song.
Head Dancers are first to dance every dance and they set the pace for others to follow. A lot of energy is needed to dance every dance.
Head Dancers are in shape and their knowledge of powwow etiquette and their gracious leadership abilities are an inspiration to all the other dancers.
 GIVE-AWAYS AND SPECIALS
A give-away is the giving of presents to others to show humility and gratitude for being called upon to be a powwow leader in some capacity or to remember a loved one who is in danger while serving in the armed forces or a loved one who has passed away.
This is an opportunity to witness a unique and very important part of Indianness. While an interruption to the dancing, this age-old tradition demonstrates respect and recognition of others in the giving of gifts, which recipients accept with honor. The act of giving gifts shows gratitude and generosity. Being recognized with a gift is always more important than the material value of the gift itself.
At the conclusion of a give-away or special, everyone involved joins in a special dance of thanksgiving before resuming the regular powwow dancing.
  BLANKET DANCE
This is the observers’ time to come into the dance arena in street clothes and dance, dropping money on the blanket to help defray gas expenses for the drums that are working so hard and that have traveled from so far away. These are fun, audience-participation dances, and everybody dances and makes a donation of coins or folding money.
TWO-STEP DANCE
This is a lady’s choice dance, an opportunity for any lady to invite a fellow, young or old, from among the dancers or the observers, to dancer with her. The Two-Step Dance is a kind of follow-the-leader dance and is always packed with fun.
 BEAUTIFUL SONGS…Michael Jacobs, Cherokee, Recording Artist
Observers will be treated to the songs and conversations of Michael Jacobs during the half-hour before Grand Entries into the dance arena. Michael will have CDs of all his recordings offered for sale.
 MUSEUM OF PLAINS INDIAN CLOTHING…Jim Roach
A 30-year collection of both men’s and women’s dress and dance clothing of the Northern Plains will be on display. Jim made some of the pieces himself, collected others from various artists. Jim’s artwork is incredibly beautiful, and the 12 dressed mannequins are breathtaking. This is a rare photo opportunity.
 LIVING HISTORY TEPEE
Although never used by Illinois Indians, the tepee was the home of Indians of the Western Plains who rode horses and hunted buffalo for about 120 years, 1756 to the 1876 wars. Tepees were made famous in Wild West shows and western movies and are forever linked to popular concepts of Indianness.
Come inside to see beds covered with buffalo hides, chairs of laced willow sticks, brass cooking pots, firewood stacked for the fire inside. Originally made of 12 or more buffalo hides, today’s tepees are made of canvas.
To keep the tepee from getting too hot on a late spring day, cooking fires were outside during spring and summer. Watch frybread being batched and cooked over an open fire…maybe get a sample, too!
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