Powwow Etiquette

Prescott Powwow photo by Eric Neugent of Wolves Eye Photography 2014

What Visitors Should Know

Powwows bring Native people together through singing, dancing, visiting, honoring, competition and community. Some are organized by a Tribal Nation, while others are hosted by Native organizations, families, colleges or intertribal committees. Many welcome the public, but some gatherings or portions of a gathering may be reserved for Tribal members, invited participants or particular families.

Every powwow has its own leadership and protocol. Customs can differ among Native Nations, communities and regions, so the most important advice is simple: read the event information, listen to the Master of Ceremonies and follow directions from the Arena Director and powwow committee. If the host’s instructions differ from a general etiquette guide, the host’s instructions always take precedence.

Come as Yourself and Remember You Are a Guest A useful standard is to treat everyone with the consideration that would be shown to a respected elder or grandmother. If a comment or action would feel rude at a family gathering, place of worship or community ceremony, it probably does not belong at a powwow either.

Respect the Spiritual Nature of the Gathering

Powwows do not come from a single ceremony or one Native Nation. The English word developed from an Algonquian term associated with spiritual or healing practices, but its meaning changed as English speakers began using it broadly for Native gatherings. What is now recognized as the intertribal powwow developed primarily from the songs, dances and warrior society traditions of Native Nations from the Northern and Southern Plains.

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, forced removal and reservation policies brought many Native Nations into closer contact while the United States attempted to suppress their ceremonies, religions and cultural practices. Native people continued to gather, share songs and adapt dance traditions. Oklahoma became particularly important to the growth of intertribal powwows because dozens of displaced Nations were living near one another in what had been designated Indian Territory. Public exhibitions, fairs and Wild West shows also brought Native dancers and singers together, although these events often presented Native cultures through expectations created by non-Native audiences.

Visitors who are uncertain about what to do should ask the MC, Arena Director or another member of the powwow committee rather than making assumptions.

Powwows continued to develop through veterans’ homecomings, family gatherings, intertribal travel and the growing powwow circuit. Communities introduced new songs, dance styles and forms of competition while maintaining their own protocols and cultural responsibilities. Today’s powwows are not reenactments of a culture frozen in the past. They are living Native gatherings that can be social, cultural, spiritual and competitive, with each host community determining what is shared, who may participate and how the gathering is conducted.

Support Artists and Vendors Respectfully

Visiting the food stands and vendor booths is an important way to support the people who help make the gathering possible. Bring cash, even if many vendors accept cards, because internet service, payment systems and electrical access can be unreliable.

Treat a vendor’s table as someone’s place of business, not as a hands-on museum display. Ask before handling jewelry, beadwork, pottery, clothing or other artwork, particularly when an item is fragile or difficult to replace. If a vendor allows an item to be handled, do so carefully and with sincere interest. Do not photograph artwork, copy designs or use a vendor’s display as a backdrop without permission.

Listen more than you speak and allow people to decide what they want to share.

Respect Is the Starting Point

Powwow etiquette does not require visitors to memorize an enormous list of rules. It begins with recognizing that the gathering belongs to the people and community hosting it. Listen to the MC, respect personal space, ask before photographing or touching anything, stay outside the arena unless invited and avoid making yourself the center of the experience.

A useful standard is to treat everyone with the consideration that would be shown to a respected elder or grandmother. If a comment or action would feel rude at a family gathering, place of worship or community ceremony, it probably does not belong at a powwow either.

Powwow Etiquette FAQ

Listen to the Master of Ceremonies

The Master of Ceremonies, often called the MC or emcee, explains what is happening in the arena. The MC announces dances, introduces singers and special guests, and tells spectators when to stand, when photography is restricted and when everyone is invited to dance.

The Arena Director oversees activity within the dance arena and helps dancers, singers and staff follow the schedule. Visitors who are uncertain about what to do should ask the MC, Arena Director or another member of the powwow committee rather than making assumptions.

Are powwows open to the public?

Many powwows welcome visitors from every background, but not all gatherings are public. Some ceremonies, meals, dances or other portions of an event may be limited to Tribal citizens, invited guests or participating families. Check the official event flyer or host organization’s website before attending.

Ask Before Taking Photographs

Photography and recording policies differ from one powwow to another. Visitors should check the event’s rules and listen for announcements from the MC before photographing or recording anything. Photography may be prohibited during prayers, memorials, honor songs, ceremonies or other designated moments.

Ask permission before taking a close portrait of a dancer, singer, elder or vendor, especially when the person is outside the arena. A person who declines should not be questioned or photographed anyway. Visitors should never enter the arena, block someone’s view or crowd around a drum to get a photograph.

Recording songs requires particular care. Songs may belong to a family, drum group or community, and permission to photograph the gathering does not automatically include permission to record its music. Commercial photographers, journalists and content creators should contact the powwow committee in advance.

Is it acceptable to point at a dancer or singer?

Pointing at people is considered impolite in many communities. Use a small nod or describe the general area instead. Avoid singling people out in a way that makes them feel watched or displayed.

Can visitors dance? Join a Dance Only When Invited

Visitors may enter during an intertribal or social dance when the MC invites everyone to participate. Follow the Head Dancers and the movement of the people around you. Contest dances, specials and certain honor or veterans songs may be restricted to eligible participants.

Many powwows include intertribal or social dances during which the MC invites everyone into the arena. These are appropriate opportunities for first-time visitors to participate without wearing regalia. Enter respectfully, follow the direction of the dancers and pay attention to the Head Dancers, who may begin the song before others join.

Not every dance is open to everyone. Contest dances, family specials, veterans dances and other songs may be limited to particular participants. Visitors should leave the arena when asked and wait for the MC to announce another open dance. Children are welcome to participate when invited, but they should remain with a responsible adult and follow the same directions.

Are dancers and singers performing for spectators?

Powwow participants should not be reduced to entertainers. They may be dancing or singing for cultural, family, spiritual, social or competitive reasons. At contest powwows, prize money can also be an important part of a dancer’s or singer’s livelihood.

What should I do if an eagle feather falls?

Do not pick it up, move it or photograph it. Notify the MC, Arena Director or a powwow staff member immediately. The host community will follow the protocol appropriate to that gathering.

May I touch someone’s regalia? Respect Regalia

The clothing and cultural belongings worn by dancers are called regalia or, in some communities, an outfit. They should not be called costumes. Regalia may take months or years to create and can include handmade beadwork, feathers, ribbons, bells, family heirlooms and items carrying personal or spiritual meaning.

Never touch another person’s regalia, hair, feathers or belongings without a clear invitation. This includes asking children not to handle fringe, beadwork, bells or feathers, even if they are curious about how something was made.

Many Native Nations hold eagle feathers in particular respect, although teachings and protocols differ. If a feather falls in or near the arena, do not touch, move or photograph it. Notify the MC, Arena Director or powwow staff and allow the host community to follow its own protocol.

Should I dress in Native-inspired clothing?

No. Come in ordinary, respectful clothing. Do not wear imitation regalia, costume headdresses, fake feathers, face paint or accessories intended to make you look Native. Visitors do not need to imitate Native identity to attend respectfully.

Stand When Requested

Guests are commonly asked to stand during Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Veterans Songs, invocations, memorials, honor songs and the Closing Song. The MC will explain when standing is appropriate and whether hats should be removed.

During these moments, visitors should pause conversations, eating and other distractions. Anyone who is unable to stand may remain seated respectfully. Customs concerning hats and traditional headwear can vary, so guests should follow the instructions given by the host.

What should I do during Grand Entry?

Stand if you are able, remain quiet and give the procession your attention. The MC may also ask guests to remove their hats and refrain from taking photographs. Continue standing until the MC indicates that guests may sit.

May I compliment a dancer?

A respectful compliment about someone’s beadwork, craftsmanship, dance style or regalia may be welcome, but avoid comments about a person’s body, attractiveness or how “exotic” they look. Do not stare, follow people or treat them as characters available for a visitor’s entertainment.

Can I touch something at a vendor’s table? How to pay?

Ask the vendor first, especially before handling beadwork, jewelry, pottery, clothing or delicate artwork. If permission is given, handle the item carefully. Never photograph or copy an artist’s work without permission. Many vendors accept cards, but cellular service and payment systems can be unreliable at outdoor or remote locations. Cash is also useful for food, raffles, donations and blanket dances.

Are pets allowed?

Policies vary. Some powwows prohibit pets entirely, while others permit them on the grounds but not near or inside the arena. Check with the host before bringing an animal.

Are children welcome?

Most public powwows are family gatherings and welcome children. Adults should supervise them closely, keep them out of the arena unless invited and prevent them from entering drum areas or handling another person’s belongings.

Respect the Dance Arena

The dance arena is not simply a performance area. It may be blessed before the powwow begins and can carry ceremonial importance for the host community. Visitors should not walk across the arena as a shortcut or enter it unless invited. Use the designated entrances and keep children from running or playing inside the circle.

Seats and benches closest to the arena are commonly reserved for dancers, singers, elders or other participants. Blankets, regalia bags and personal belongings may be used to hold those spaces and should never be moved. Public seating varies, so visitors should check the event information to determine whether they need to bring a chair.

Give the Drums Space

The drum is central to the gathering, and the space around it is reserved for the singers and those they invite. Visitors should not sit at a drum, touch it, join the singers or enter the drum area without permission from the lead singer.

Do not crowd around a drum to photograph or record a song. If recording is allowed, the host may still require permission from the lead singer of each drum.

Can I record the drums?

Only when the host and the appropriate drum leadership permit it. A general photography policy does not necessarily grant permission to record songs. Never place recording equipment near a drum or approach the singers while a song is underway.

Where may spectators sit?

Use public seating, bleachers or the area designated by the host. Benches and chairs immediately surrounding the arena are often reserved for dancers and singers. Do not move blankets, regalia bags or belongings that are holding someone’s place.

How can visitors support a powwow?

Buy directly from Native artists, food vendors and craftspeople. Visitors may also purchase raffle tickets or contribute during a blanket dance or other announced fundraiser. Listen to the MC for an explanation of how to participate.