Are you a Non-Native person who wants to attend a PowWow, but are unfamiliar with the etiquette?

Here are some tips to consider before you come out.

Like all societies, we have some rules that we observe when we get together, but this hub applies to spectators; consider them guidelines, if you will.  These are all basic human common sense rules we should have learned in kindergarten that we should all be living by anyway.

10) The actual powwow is an event that can take over a year and a lot of money to plan. Please show the planners (The Committee) their due respect for their hard work and sacrifice. They have the final say if any major issues arise. These rules will be enforced peacefully by our larger young men and our MC and Arena Directors (AD’s). Pay attention to any announcements and follow their directions; if you are able, stand and all should remove their remove your caps or head coverings for the singing of our sacred songs.

9) The circle is a sacred place. It has been blessed by the appropriate spiritual people days in advance to keep the circle and dancers from harm and negativity. Please do not enter the circle unless invited. This goes for young and old alike.

8) Leave your pets at home; a powwow is no place for animals, especially dogs, reptiles or cockatoos.

7) Please do not touch the dancers, singers, their regalia (not costumes, regalia) or the Drums. They are often family heirlooms, very, very rare, expensive and sometimes downright old. Just as you would not want someone you do not know walking up and pulling on your hair or grandfathers’ pocket watch, we do not care to be approached in this manner.

6) Photographs are a controversial topic. Listen to the MC and do not take pictures of anything they advise you not to. If you wish to take a picture of an individual, go and ask when they are taking a breather. If you wish to photograph a child, I strongly suggest getting parental consent first. Be prepared to hear “No”, if you ask for a photograph, although many dancers/singers may allow you to photograph them. A copy of the photograph is always appreciated, if possible.

5) Bring some extra cash, especially singles. There are vendors at every powwow and most of them offer top notch items, including art, regalia, beads and jewelry. There are always food vendors and you’ll get through the lines much faster if you have a big wad of ones to flash at the people selling their wares.

4) Don’t forget your camping/folding chair. As “staycations” increase in popularity, the attendance at our dances has skyrocketed. Don’t be left standing, as powwow season is mostly in the Summertime. On that note, remember to hydrate and stay in the shade as much as possible!

3) Remember the old standard how we have two ears and one mouth and they should be used accordingly? This is a good time to observe that.

2) To many of us, powwow is not ceremony, although ceremonies may occur at a powwow. It is more of an extended Family Reunion, a chance for us to catch up on gossip, see our relatives and make new ones, and to celebrate our survival.

1) Remember the power of common human decency. You are a guest-remember to be courteous to your hosts.

Most of all have fun and be sure to come back next year!