Powwow

   Attending a powwow is fascinating. It explodes the myths and oversimplified images that I (Carl) had about these events.  Powwows are cultural and social gatherings for the Indian people who participate.  They bind them closer together with each other at the same time as they serve as opportunities to relearn and relive and be proud of their historic and cultural traditions. The word ‘powwow’ says it all: it is derived from the Narragansett language and refers to a gathering of Indians for the purpose of singing, dancing, celebration and socialization.

   And this is indeed what we witnessed at the 30^th annual Black Hills Powwow which coincidentally occurred in Rapid City, near where we were staying in Lead. The powwow brought 7 South Dakota Indian tribes together plus others from Minnesota, Montana and elsewhere. The singing, dancing, drumming – all of which involved competitions among groups from the tribes ($100,000 in total prize money!) – were incredible but no more so than the traditional elaborate and beautiful regalia that the performers wore (often sewn/produced by the families).  Ages groups represented went from “tiny tots” to “golden agers.” In the competitions males and females were in separate categories and age groups (including many juniors and teens). Probably hundreds of participants all together with family, friends and visitors watching from the arena seats. 

   There was a traditional opening ceremony (the “Grand Entry,” led by Indian military veterans, embodying the tradition of the Indian/Sioux warrior culture), and including all the dancers and other dignitaries or special guests. As part of this ceremony, the military participants would end by stomping on or symbolically stabbing or striking the flag of the 7^thCavalry (“counting coup” or striking an enemy, the highest honor traditionally won by Plains Indian warriors; the 7^thCavalry perpetrated the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890).  There were also athletic competitions held in a separate venue which we did not see; arts and crafts displays and a fashion show. This was a weekend long affair, with the 1^stday, Friday, being reserved for a youth symposium and education program attended this year by thousands of school children, white and Indian, from both reservation and non-reservation schools.

  Here is a beautiful quote from one of the participants: “There is a huge sense of pride. We hear our native language being sung.  We hear that heartbeat the drum, we shake hands and make acknowledgements of respect. There is a huge sense of pride. When I dance I can actually feel 4 grandmothers dancing behind me. My nagi, my spirit, feels so happy when they are with me…. There is no other place where I can actually feel their presence, except in that dance circle. This is why I believe that wacipi (powwow) is a sacred part of my life.”

Singing and Drumming Group

Parade of Veterans and Dignitaries

Another singing and drumming group

Dancers